A319
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 22000; Flight Crew Type 4000
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors; Procedure
Arrived on aircraft after inbound crew left. During walk around [the First Officer] noticed numerous dents on leading edge of right horizontal stab. I confirmed his finding. I then asked to delay boarding until [maintenance] could have area inspected; verify ok for flight. While waiting the CIDS (Cabin Intercommunication Data System) began indicating a fire in aft Lav (no pax on board) and numerous call lights going off. I called [dispatch] and [maintenance control] to refuse aircraft. As we were waiting for new aircraft; the [previous] crew stated that there was no hail damage. I asked the station manager to go out with me to look. Based on sun angle I had to agree but I had seen damage earlier. The mechanic got in my face and stated; 'there is no damage!' I asked; 'are you calling me a liar?' He vehemently reiterated his position; 'there is no damage!' He had not gotten up on a lift to even look! At that point; I no longer felt fit for duty; I contacted the [duty manager] and took myself off the schedule.
The Captain of an Airbus A319 reported dents in the leading edge of the stabilizer; which maintenance was unable to confirm.