Cessna Citation Sovereign (C680)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
In our climb to FL400; passing through FL310 we received a CAS message for ENG FIRE DETECT FAIL L. We complied with the checklist and decided on a precautionary landing as soon as practical. I then called the Assistant Chief Pilot (ACP) on duty to ask whether we should return; or if there was a better diversion airport that would accommodate our passenger. The ACP was advised of our situation and position; and his first response was asking if we could continue to our destination. There was no way we should have even been questioned as to continuing the planned flight with this type of malfunction. After he consulted with scheduling; the ACP; asked us to go back to the departure airport. This was the best option for the situation and passenger accommodation. My SIC and I had already discussed that it was where we thought best; however we went through the chain of command per company procedure.This particular ACP is less than capable for his position. He rushes to make judgements without consulting with crews or his resources. In no way; knowing what he did about the malfunction; should someone in his position suggest continuing a flight for 90 minutes without a fire detection system. I have less confidence than ever in this particular ACP. Posing such a question without hesitation or thought could lead a crew to put the aircraft and passenger in a dangerous situation if the flight were to continue to the destination.
CE680 Captain reported receiving an ENG FIRE DETECT FAIL L climbing through FL310. After complying with QRH procedures the company was contacted for a diversion airport. The duty pilot first suggested that the crew continue to destination; before agreeing that a return to the departure airport was the best option.