B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 215; Flight Crew Total 7933; Flight Crew Type 4476
Communication Breakdown; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
MEL; Human Factors; Aircraft; Procedure
The referenced aircraft was flown to ZZZ by another crew whereupon we were to receive the aircraft and use it to operate [the next flight]. The Number 2 engine fire detection/protection system had been degraded to a single loop status based on an undetermined malfunction having occurred earlier either in ZZZ1 or a prior station. I conferred with [Maintenance Control] regarding the MEL and it was made clear that no repair attempts would be made in ZZZ and that the aircraft could continue to operate in this degraded mode for as long as 10 days. I then contacted my Dispatcher and informed him that I would refuse the aircraft based on an unacceptably elevated and prolonged level of safety risk. While this is an MEL-able item; it is my position that extended operation of such an aircraft by the company is an unsound course of action and that the aircraft should not continue to pass through company Maintenance hubs without repairs being made. My Dispatcher concurred and supported my refusal decision. A brief conference call was made with [Maintenance Control] prior to my full refusal. Within five minutes of my decision; I was contacted by Chief Pilot who asked for an explanation regarding my refusal. I briefly offered same as stated above. Captain asked if I desired assistance from any fleet staff regarding my refusal decision to which I respectfully responded 'No; thank you.' During my brief conversation with Captain; I detected no support for my decision nor was I overtly criticized for my action by Captain.
B737 Captain reported that he refused an aircraft due to safety concerns over an MEL that was not being addressed for repair; but continued in service.