Putting up with defects
I've been reading an old thread about PPL hirers discussing the variable state of club aircraft and the apparent lax attitude towards minor defects. This got me thinking - since becoming an FI I have had to put up with many small defects including missing or inop nav equipment, balding tyres, dead lights, knackered seats, the list goes on.
Obviously the overriding issue is safety but on the other hand if I refuse to fly because a nav light is not working then I can't afford to pay the rent so that would be silly. But drawing the line is tricky - imagine having an MEL to refer to like the big boys or a ground engineer to ask!
Anyway, I've definitely flown with problems that I wouldn't have put up with as a 100hr PPL, but it depends on the type of flight and the conditions and so many other variables.
What is the worst defect you have put up with?