Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Company Policy; Aircraft; Manuals
On post flight; it was discovered that a patch was separating from the primary surface on the left horizontal stabilizer device boot. Upon referencing the MEL; we were not able to find an applicable MEL. Upon contacting Maintenance Control; we were advised that this particular discrepancy was now classified as an Non-Essential Function (NEF). Since this was not able to be viewed/confirmed via our iPad; I asked for the appropriate approval documentation be forwarded to the aircrew. The only information we received back from Maintenance Control was info needed to complete the deferral. I then contacted a Chief Pilot; and asked if he could send me the documentation that this was now an NEF item. He forwarded us the same info. I then emailed him asking for the info. I never received a response. I have multiple concerns with this situation. First; I don't think it is advisable to operate an aircraft with this type of discrepancy with NO restrictions. Flights into known icing?  Reevaluate after each leg?  Something; anything!  There is zero guidance from the company on this aside from PIC authority and final decision maker. Secondly; it concerns me that the company is unwilling to provide documentation of a NEF classification that is not visible to the PIC. In my opinion; this is a not so subtle attempt to keep aircraft moving.  When I attempted to express my concerns and request for further documentation to both Maintenance Control and the Chief Pilot; I was repeatedly rebuffed. If this is now an approved NEF; certainly there must be written guidance stating this fact? I have no problem with an update to the NEF manual; but if the PIC is not able to appropriately verify/confirm this information independently; I think this is unacceptable. Maintenance is required to provide supporting documentation to a requesting PIC.
CE560 Captain discovers on post flight that a patch is separating from the primary surface on the left horizontal stabilizer device boot. No relief is listed in the MEL and Maintenance Control is contacted. They indicate that this patch has a Non-Essential Function (NEF); but cannot provide a reference when requested by the Captain.