Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Logbook Entry; Procedure
I received a call from the flight attendants shortly after takeoff. The Flight Attendant said that the cabin overhead liner at the over wing emergency exits had fallen down. It was the overhead liner that had the 'EXIT' sign attached. I transferred the controls and radios over to the First Officer and consulted with the flight attendants on the nature of the problem. The concern was the possible blockage of the emergency exits if an evacuation had to be initiated for whatever reason. However; there was a Company Flight Attendant commuting home sitting in the emergency exit row who offered to assist if necessary. The flight attendants determined that it would be safe to proceed; consultation with the company through ACARS said that there was no need to return to the field. As there seemed no additional risks; I agreed to continue the flight. On landing; it was noticed that the panel was held up by tape; not dissimilar to the type used in the cargo bays and other temporary fixes. A Field Mechanic stated that one of the two securing grommets was too large to hold the securing pin. It was further noticed that there was no write up for the NEF (Non-Essential Equipment Furnishings) deferment. Prior to the flight; a Company Mechanic was working on the cabin lights in that vicinity. I thought it was associated with that maintenance procedure. I did not ask the Mechanic what was done as there was a push to keep the flight on time. The Field Mechanic who inspected the fallen panel stated that it was unlikely to be associated with the cabin lights procedure. He proceeded to NEF the panel.[My suggestion is to] resist the pressure from gate to board early. I personally feel that the 'auto-boarding' procedure from main-line adds unnecessary pressure on the flight crew to get things done in a hurry. Every crew member that I have talked to says that they feel pressured to rush tasks when passengers are waiting at the doorway as preflight procedures are still being completed or when catering is still in the galley stocking as passengers as boarding. Take time to talk to the Mechanic and ask what tasks were actually performed. If I had done this; I would have known if they were the ones who applied the tape and not someone else. Refuse to accept the abnormal as normal. The proliferation of temporary quick-fix tape within the fleet should not be disregarded as just another normal day. Each temporary taping should be examined to see if it complies with company operational procedures. Again; time pressures can muddy the waters some.
Captain reported that a ceiling panel came loose during takeoff when the tape securing it failed and it was discovered to be not recorded in the NEF deferral list.