B737-300
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors
As we were being cleared onto the runway a company flight behind us called to advise us of a possible open panel door (possibly the external power door). We advised ATC that we would like to taxi clear of the runway and take care of the problem.The Captain called Maintenance and advised them of what was going on and asked if they would like us to return to the gate. They advised us to not return to the gate and to depart as normal; as there would be no problem even if the external power door was open. We decided to depart with no problems noted. The door was inspected at our destination and no problems noted there as well. We should have returned to the gate. We live in such a litigious society where even if it might upset passengers by having them arrive late at the destination; it's just not worth the possible problems that might arise from a panel causing damage; especially one that was known possibly to be open in the first place. As a First Officer; I will do my best to make my opinion known to the Captain no matter how miserable that might make the rest of the trip.
Although the reporter First Officer was opposed to doing so; the Captain of a B737-300 decided to complete their flight notwithstanding reports from other flights that there was a panel door open; possibly the external power panel door. Their Maintenance Department had advised them to do so as no damage would result.