MD-11
Dispatch Dispatcher
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted
Procedure; Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors
At block time MEL 34-55-01 was added; TCAS entire system inoperative. Maintenance knows the MEL manual is incorrect; we go through this often with them. Asia and India have never allowed this deferral. I told Maintenance I was absolutely certain; no doubt at all; it could not go; and I would not file it with TCAS inoperative. The crew called and completely agreed.The reason Maintenance thinks it can be deferred is this is how the MEL is written; 34-55-01 Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS) -- Entire System B 1 0 (O) (M) May be inoperative provided: System is deactivated and secured; and Enroute or approach procedures do not require its use. Remarks or Exceptions Note(s) Countries requiring TCAS (e.g.; India and China) will allow MEL deferral of an installed TCAS system or components.They do not allow this deferral; and never have. We have repeatedly tried to get the MEL changed to no avail. This is one of the biggest flight safety issues we have; without TCAS the crews are defenseless when they need to route around weather etc. They get little assistance from China ATC. I tried to file a flight a few weeks ago without TCAS; happened on taxiway; aircraft could be fixed overseas; and they would not accept it either. The MEL must be changed; maintenance knows this is a no go; but always quote the MEL; and become quite belligerent about it.
Air carrier Dispatcher reported a known incorrect MEL that would allow dispatch with TCAS inoperative into countries that do not in fact allow that condition.