Date: 201212
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: A321
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Aircraft component: Spoiler System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Other / Unknown
Reporter qualification: Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Human factors: Workload; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Other / Unknown
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural MEL / CDL
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Other Maintenance Control Review
Result: General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: MEL; Human Factors; Aircraft
Primary problem: MEL

Narrative: During normal operations; MEL 27-92-02c was issued for ECAM - 'F/CTL SPLR FAULT'. [Deferred under] MEL 27-92-02C; GROUND SPOILERS 1 AND 2 - INOPERATIVE (INOP) with ZZZ1 Mechanic. The same condition was experienced in December 2012 [noted] in Logbook. I inadvertently issued the same MEL thinking the ECAM fault was the same as the previous fault. During the operation; while aircraft was in service at gate; Captain on flight questioned if the proper MEL was initially applied. Oversight [was] due to a high volume workload. After review of the MEL List; the MEL was reclassified to MEL 27-64-01A in Logbook for 'Spoiler Surface 1 - INOP - DEACTIVATED'. [Recommend] taking more time to study and understand the condition for Spoiler Surfaces during the aircraft ground time.


Second narrative: Aircraft in ZZZ1; December 2012; had ECAM fault: F/CTL SPLR FAULT. ZZZ1 Lead Mechanic called and asked for the application of MEL 27-92-02C Spoilers-1 and -2 may be inoperative provide AFM performance penalties are applied. I issued the MEL via Webseptre [program]. After aircraft departure and enroute to ZZZ; a coworker advised me of a better MEL that could have been issued. I asked MOC Duty Manager if possible to have the aircraft stopped and worked in ZZZ; where parts and manpower are available to correct the spoiler fault issue. The aircraft was swapped and remained in ZZZ Maintenance performed a successful Spoiler Elevator Computer-3 (SEC-3) reset and cleared MEL.   The MEL that was suggested is 27-64-01A. One pair of symmetrical surfaces; One or Three; may be inoperative in the retracted position; provided SECs associated with operative spoilers operate normally. The Mechanic and crew agreed that MEL 27-92-02C applied to this fault. After reviewing the MELs and concurring with Dispatch that operation penalties would apply; I felt this MEL application was sufficient and more restrictive. I feel more clarification or description needs to be incorporated between the related MELs listed. When applying an MEL for Spoiler-1; MEL 27-92-02C Spoilers-1 and-2 may be inoperative and when applying MEL 27-64-01a; Spoiler-1 or-3 may be inoperative.


Synopsis: Two maintenance controllers and a Lead Mechanic report about the need for clarification of MELs 27-92-02C and 27-64-01A; when applied to ECAM 'F/CTL Spoiler Fault' displays that occur during engine starts; on their A321 aircraft.