Good and quick feedback from many of you, just a few hours after my post. Great!
I am now flying the B777, and new in this company. Was told by some colleagues that here, where we fly, if I land somewhere other than destination, causing disruption, based on MEL in flight reference, I would be fired. - MEL is only for dispatch. I don't agree and hope management thinks differently.
About the CAT3/L wiper scenario, I created (used) it to generate a discussion with fellow Captains here, and compare my interpretation to other's. The only place where this requirement is mentioned is the MEL, and all here said they would never refer to it in flight. So they would not know it is a requirement. In fact very few people know it.
Some system requirements are obvious for ETOPS and we all would consider them, one is the lower cargo fire indication and extinguishing sys., in fact, a very good example of referring to MEL inflight. The NNC for Cargo Comp. bottle low press or Fire Detection sys fail, does not mention any ETOPS limitation, and in case you get one of these fails before entering ETOPS, are you referring to MEL in flight or not? I certainly would. Now, lets take a look at B777 MEL 32-21-01-01, on this one, you will need at least 75% of Cabin Lights to operate beyond 60 minutes (ETOPS) for night operations. Not obvious.
I do understand that Boeing does not cover all situations and in the end, you are in a "grey area's" Captains discretion situation where even managers, TRIs and TREs will not be unanimous about the best decision. If you are too conservative and divert or return you may be terminated, if you continue, and something goes wrong, the same! That is your job and for what you get paid for.
Last edited by ricfly744; 19th December 2013 at 15:52.