Narrative:

2 amt's were assigned to troubleshoot a [deferred maintenance] item seat 1A electric position functions inop. They found that the harness leading to the remote control (retractable electric cable) was bad; and that we did not have one here. The amts contacted [maintenance control] for MEL [a] to put that portion of the seat inop (the seat was still usable through alternate controls). When [maintenance control] was contacted; they said we also need to put MEL [B] (flight crew rest facilities and equipment) on the aircraft as well. The amts complied with [maintenance control]; and added that MEL on the aircraft.the question that came into play; was that as per [MEL B] para. C; because this was seat 1A (or 2A) a seat must be clearly identified for flight crew rest; and a placard must be installed (for flight crew rest only/ class 3 rest facility); and then para D. States to contact dispatch with the seat numbers that will be used for flight crew rest.and this then became the issue. How does the amt putting the MEL on the airplane know what seat will be used for flight crew rest? We spoke to [a supervisor]; and he said it would be assigned locally; but again; how can the amt be compliant with the MEL at the time of issue? The amt has no way of knowing seat availability; etc. We also were told that this was a class I flight; which did not need a crew rest seat; but if it was a class III flight; then it would.this issue was brought to our attention by an FAA inspector that was onsite. We all believe both mels [a] and [B] should be clarified to give clear and concise directions on how to comply with MEL. As it is written now it leads to different interpretation between aircraft maintenance; [maintenance control] and dispatch. This was confirmed during the FAA inspection when we received three different ways to comply with mels. So as not to bring confusion when getting an MEL; or to make sure the amt is compliant when applying the MEL we asking both mels to be revised.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Maintenance Technician reported confusing MEL requirements for crew rest seats.

Narrative: 2 AMT's were assigned to troubleshoot a [deferred maintenance] item Seat 1A Electric position Functions inop. They found that the harness leading to the remote control (retractable electric cable) was bad; and that we did not have one here. The AMTs contacted [Maintenance Control] for MEL [A] to put that portion of the seat inop (the seat was still usable through alternate controls). When [Maintenance Control] was contacted; they said we also need to put MEL [B] (Flight Crew Rest Facilities and Equipment) on the aircraft as well. The AMTs complied with [Maintenance Control]; and added that MEL on the aircraft.The question that came into play; was that as per [MEL B] Para. C; because this was seat 1A (or 2A) a seat must be clearly identified for flight crew rest; and a placard must be installed (For Flight Crew Rest Only/ Class 3 Rest Facility); and then Para D. states to contact Dispatch with the seat numbers that will be used for flight crew rest.And this then became the issue. How does the AMT putting the MEL on the airplane know what seat will be used for flight crew rest? We spoke to [a supervisor]; and he said it would be assigned locally; but again; how can the AMT be compliant with the MEL at the time of issue? The AMT has no way of knowing seat availability; etc. We also were told that this was a Class I flight; which did not need a crew rest seat; but if it was a class III flight; then it would.This issue was brought to our attention by an FAA inspector that was onsite. We all believe both MELs [A] and [B] should be clarified to give clear and concise directions on how to comply with MEL. As it is written now it leads to different interpretation between Aircraft Maintenance; [Maintenance Control] and Dispatch. This was confirmed during the FAA inspection when we received three different ways to comply with MELs. So as not to bring confusion when getting an MEL; or to make sure the AMT is compliant when applying the MEL we asking both MELs to be revised.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.