A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 7214; Flight Crew Type 6764
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Inbound flight had a 'Flight control - Spoiler fault.'Maintenance deferred Number 5 spoiler. This deferral required the Number 5 spoiler to be 'inoperative; retracted; and deactivated' per the MEL. Enroute; we discovered that the airplane with the autopilot on; was flying with 2.5 degrees left rudder trim and about 2-3 degrees right bank. FO (First Officer) made an inspection of the spoilers from the cabin.It was discovered that the right spoiler was 'floating' i.e. extended during flight when it should have been retracted along with all the other spoilers. Per QRH; this causes an additional 10% fuel burn. As this was a relatively short flight; we determined that the additional fuel burn was not a big concern. As we were beginning descent at this point; the decision to continue to destination was made with no further notification (due to time constraints and relatively minor effect on the flight plan.) We didn't believe this met the criteria for declaring an emergency; and therefore did not.The flight was continued to destination; landing about 900 lbs short of planned fuel due to the extended spoiler. Maintenance 'write-up' was made; and out bound crew advised.
A320 Captain reported Maintenance deferred an inoperative spoiler.