B737 Next Generation Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Weather; Procedure; Company Policy; Aircraft
This is a general safety concern First Officers have experienced landing a newer model aircraft in heavy rain. In the past we had to execute a missed approach because visibility forward was obscured by water on the windshield. The wipers were working as fast as possible; but were unable to keep up. We could see out the L2 and R2 windshields; but not forward. There have been other reports in the past concerning this issue with the newer model aircraft. My understanding is that Boeing delivers a new aircraft that has a type of rain repellent coating on the windshield; but should be re-applied every 9 to 12 months. Since we were planning to take this aircraft into an airport with very heavy rain; I contacted Maintenance Control inquiring if there was a re-application of windshield rain repellent program. Maintenance Control and station Maintenance were not aware of any program. My question to Company is why not in the name of safety; service; and on time efficiency? Yes; if we do not see the runway; it is safer to go missed. However; if a diversion is required due to fuel; we have impacted service and on time efficiency.
B737 Captain reported Maintenance was unaware of the aircraft's periodic windshield rain repellent treatment.