EK449 departs AKL with INOP NAV lights

[ARNSpoty]

Good morning,

Firstly, i was unsure whether which thread to place this question in. Apologies in advance.

Now, EK449 departed AKL on the 13th back to DXB on A380 with 467PAX onboard with INOP NAV lights.

At first, it seemed like it wasnt a big deal, but considering that the AC will operate the entire way back to DXB under moon light, it seemed more relavant than it seemed at first - as it indicates starboard and port side for surrounding traffic.

So, who is ultimately authorised to certify the ACs airworthyness with INOP NAV lights and do oncoming traffic need to be informed as such?

ARNspoty

[RHINO]

If it is in the MEL then it is the Captains decision.

[Capt Fathom]

Night operation without wingtip navigation lights is NOT Permitted under the Minimum Equipment List.

[TurningFinalRWY36]

Wouldnt make a mountain out of a mole hill, yes NAV lights are required but it also has beacon/anti collision. Plus no one in their right mind is going to make an avoidance manoeuvre based off NAV lights, TCAS is your friend

[FlightDetent]

The mole-hill of legality? :\ It would make for an interestion interview question, Kobayashi Maru style:

Last flight of the day, at an outstation past the MX team's business hours. Green NAV is found inop during the walk-around. It is controlled airspace class D/C all the way home, night VMC. The operation is limited by crew's FDP. How do you proceed?

[TURIN]

If it is in the MEL then it is the Captains decision.

If the aircraft requires a transit/daily inspection before the next flight and it needs to be certified by a ground engineer/mechanic then he/she will make the decision. If checking that the nav lights are working is on the transit/daily check list then its a no go.

The Captain can jump up and down all he/she likes but if the engineer/mechanic refuses to sign it off you're going nowhere unless a written dispensation arrives from your company quality department. Or you get it fixed.

[Cough]

How do you know they were inop vs being inadvertently switched off?

[Chesty Morgan]

Must've failed airborne your honour .

[FlightDetent]

Could have failed after the first movement under own power.

[oggers]

So, who is ultimately authorised to certify the ACs airworthyness with INOP NAV lights and do oncoming traffic need to be informed as such?

You have to have them to comply with the rules of the air for night flying. To answer your question directly, you would need the dipensation of both the authority whose airspace you are operating within plus that of the authority of registration if different. Probably no chance of that anyway if they can be fixed at the departure airport and even less chance of being able to take passengers. Bottom line is it would be easiest to simply get them fixed before flight.

[bumpy737]

I've had the question in interview and of course in the interview you always go with the legal option in accordance with the MEL...

Seems to be a popular question in interviews 😄