B767-300 and 300 ER
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Logbook Entry; MEL
During the preflight of the aircraft I noticed the FWD Lav service door had speed tape securing it. When I got to the cockpit I also noticed that the first aid kit and flashlight at the L1 door had door seals on them as the sealing devices. I looked in the logbook; and found that the LAV door was on a Non-MEL under GMM 3.XX.X which covers high speed tape policy and procedures; and that repairs must be made within 10 days. This was written up [5 days prior] though. I didn't find the first aid kit or the flashlight written up anywhere. Maintenance Control stated that the first aid kit could have an alternate seal under GMM 3.XX.Y The only problem with that is that it could have an alternate seal as long as the kit was inventoried and a logbook entry was made. I looked back and couldn't see where that had been done. The first aid kit and flashlight were subsequently placed on MEL's; and I discussed the Lav door with the maintenance technician because GMM 3.XX.X states that the high speed tape can be used to secure a broken latch until it can be repaired at the first available station. My question was what was the first available station; and Maintenance Controls answer was ZZZ; ZZZ1; or ZZZ2. This plane had been to ZZZ twice and ZZZ2 once since the door latch had been written up. Maintenance Controls stated that the first available station definition is one where it could be worked on; and the parts were available. The GMM also doesn't specify a date when repairs must be made by. I spoke with the Duty Pilot; and we finally spoke to [personnel]. He stated that yes; it should have been fixed when it transitioned ZZZ or ZZZ2; but that it was scheduled to be fixed as soon as it arrived in ZZZ that morning. I asked for that to be put in writing; and they emailed me such. The spirit and intent behind GMM 3.XX.X is to provide a relief to get the aircraft back to a maintenance station so repairs could be made; not fly around for days until the part was found or anything. Also there was no date specified in the GMM; so are MEL procedures just being made up for non-MEL's? I don't believe door seals being placed on first aid kits and flashlights is quite proper maintenance procedures as well. I know everyone is under a lot of pressure to get these flights out on time; but we need to make sure things are being done correctly.
B767 Captain reported that a non-MEL item had not been repaired at the first available station and other items had not been placed on MELs.