B737-700
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 153; Flight Crew Type 7858
Troubleshooting; Distraction
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Company Policy; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; MEL; Procedure
Aircraft was dispatched with an improperly secured left engine thrust reverser. The thrust reverser was secured with a heavy duty zip tie by Maintenance when; to comply with the MEL; it should have been secured with a thick gauge wire. The aircraft was flown in that condition. Proper compliance with all MEL procedures by company and contract maintenance personnel. Proper review of MEL by flight crew to ensure compliance with all maintenance and operational procedures as applicable.  Improved clarity in the description of maintenance and operational procedures throughout the MEL; in addition to better separation of said procedures.
I was assigned to ferry this aircraft with the left thrust reverser inoperative MEL. I did not communicate at all with the mechanic that accomplished the MEL procedure. The thrust reverser lever was secured in the stowed position. I had no knowledge of the technical method that was required to be accomplished by a qualified mechanic. Today I was informed that the maintenance procedure for securing the lever was accomplished improperly.  The flight was completed without incident.
An air carrier pilot reported an aircraft flew with a zip tie securing a thrust reverser rather thick gauge wire as required.