
Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
- Definitions A minimum equipment list (MEL) is a list which provides for the operation of aircraft, subject to specified conditions, with particular equipment inoperative (which is) prepared by an operator in conformity with, or more restrictive than, the MMEL established for the aircraft type. ...
- Description The MEL is approved by the operator's national airworthiness authorities. ...
- Further Reading ...
What is aircraft equipment list?
The aircraft equipment list is originally issued by the aircraft manufacturer and is required to be maintained by the Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). An aircraft and its installed components and parts must continually meet the requirements of the original Type Certificate or approved altered conditions.
Do all aircraft have a Minimum Equipment List?
14 CFR Part 91.213 (d)(1) states that an aircraft does not require an approved Minimum Equipment List provided the aircraft is a non-turbine powered airplane for which a Master Minimum Equipment List has been developed.
What is a Minimum Equipment List what CFR covers it?
The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a document and method aircraft operators use to obtain relief from Federal Aviation Regulations requiring that all equipment installed on the aircraft be operative at the time of flight.
What is the difference between master minimum equipment list and Minimum Equipment List?
Their difference is that the MEL is formulated for a particular operator and a certain aircraft or a few aircraft, whereas the MMEL is formulated for all aircrafts of this type. The MEL of the operator shall be based on the MMEL of a specific aircraft type and model approved by the authorities.
Can you fly without ELT?
(i) No person may operate the aircraft unless the aircraft records contain an entry which includes the date of initial removal, the make, model, serial number, and reason for removing the transmitter, and a placard located in view of the pilot to show “ELT not installed.”
What are the 4 parts of an Mel?
The operators MEL document must include at least the following elements: 1) Table of Contents, 2) Log of Revisions, 3) Preamble and Definitions, and 4) a Control Page defining the current revision status of each page contained within the MEL.
Is a Minimum Equipment List required?
Some operators of aircraft, based on the kind of operation or size and type of aircraft are required to have a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) in order to operate the aircraft with inoperative instruments or equipment. However, operators of the following types of aircraft may operate under part 91 without an MEL.
What is AMM in aviation?
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) | SKYbrary Aviation Safety.
What is the purpose of Mel?
The dispatch under a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) item allows to dispatch an aircraft in a safe and airworthy condition when certain system functions or equipment are temporarily unavailable or inoperative, enabling the aircraft to continue earning revenue without compromising the safety of the flight.
Who provides the Minimum Equipment List?
The FAA Flight Standards District Office @DO) contacted by an MEL applicant provides the applicant a Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for the applicant's particular aircraft. 4.
Where do you find a Mel?
You will mostly find MELs in aircraft operating under Part 121, 125 and 135. The military also uses MELs. This is not to say Part 91 operators won't have MELs, it is just a little more unusual.
What is the difference between Mel and CDL?
While the MEL describes the limitations of aircraft operation in case of a system being inoperative/having malfunctioned (e.g. transponder failure), the CDL deals with situations where external parts of an aircraft are missing/fallen off (e.g. fairings, aerodynamic seals or panels).
Which of the following is a fair description main purpose of the minimum equipment list?
The Minimum Equipment List is a document used by air operators consisting of a list of inoperative equipment that an aircraft can have before making a flight. It is a way to ensure that the remaining pieces of equipment are operational.
What is the minimum equipment and instruments for VFR flight?
For VFR flight during the day, the following instruments and equipment are required: (1) Airspeed indicator. (2) Altimeter. (3) Magnetic direction indicator.
What is a kinds of equipment list?
As the name implies, the Kinds of Operations Equipment List (KOEL) is a list of equipment installed in an aircraft that specifies for which kinds of operations a specific piece of equipment is required. The KOEL is used as part of the process of determining if an aircraft with inoperative equipment is airworthy.
Where do I find Mel?
You will mostly find MELs in aircraft operating under Part 121, 125 and 135.
What happens if equipment on the minimum equipment list isn’t working?
On private jet charters, the pilot-in-command follows the minimum equipment list before determining if a flight can proceed.
What policies do private jet charter brokers like Stratos have around MEL-deferred items?
With all information at hand, along with the client, a decision to go ahead or stay grounded can be made. For us, it’s simply the right thing to do. Are you wondering how safe are private jets anyway? Read our post on how private jet charter brokers help improve your safety. Are you looking for a private jet charter broker who is obsessed with your safety? Stratos brokers follow industry-leading internal policies at every step, and we have our own vendor approval program to ensure your private jet and pilot meet our strict standards. Call 888-593-9066 or request a quote.
How airline pilots use the Minimum Equipment List?
As stated above the Minimum Equipment List provides for the safe and legal dispatch of aircraft with certain systems inoperative. However, the following points must be considered:
What is MEL in aviation?
The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) The Minimum Equipment List (“MEL”) is a reference list of aircraft systems that, even with those systems not functioning correctly, the aircraft can be operated safely and would legally be allowed to dispatch.
What is the Configuration Deviation List (CDL)?
The CDL (Configuration Deviation List) is similar to the MEL but refers to components of the aircraft that may be missing but still allow legal dispatch.
What should be placarded with a sign that clearly shows the relevant system or instrument is “INOP”?
Systems that are inoperative should be placarded with a sign that clearly shows the relevant system or instrument is “INOP”.
What is maintenance procedure?
Maintenance procedures, prefixed by (m), are procedures that must be completed by an authorized engineer and an entry must be made in the tech log to confirm the relevant actions have been taken, for example, pulling CB’s (circuit breakers) to isolate relevant electrical systems.
Where are static dischargers on a plane?
Static dischargers are visible on the wingtip and on the aileron and flap fairing.
Do inoperative items adversely impact safety requirements?
Consideration must be given that the inoperative item (s) do not adversely impact safety requirements considering the route of flight and destination.
What Is an Equipment List?
An equipment list is a list of items that must be operational for a particular flight. For example, the landing lights in the Cessna 172 do not have to be operational for flights during the day but must be operational for flights at night. The equipment lists are used to determine if an aircraft can legally perform a particular flight.
Can an MMEL Be Used as a MEL?
An MMEL can be used as a MEL, but the MMEL must be approved by the operator’s National Aviation Authority. In the case where an operator uses an aircraft’s MMEL as a MEL, the MMEL is referred to as a MEL. In other words, an operator will never refer to their MEL and an MMEL.
What are non-safety items?
Nonsafety-related items include those items related to the convenience, comfort, or entertainment of the passengers and equipment that is used only on ground for maintenance purpose. Convenience, comfort, or entertainment of the passengers may include items such as galley equipment, movie equipment, stereo equipment, and overhead reading lamps.
What is MMEL in aviation?
The MMEL covers the type of operations for which the aircraft is certificated. Certain MMEL items need to be supported by operational and maintenance procedures, which have to be identified to the authority during the MMEL approval process.
What is an operator's MEL?
The individual operator’s MEL, when approved, allows operation of the aircraft with inoperative items of equipment for a certain period of time until rectification can be accomplished .
What is CS MMEL.050?
These Certification Specifications establish the specifications for the applicant for a type certificate, change approval or supplemental type certificate to develop, and provide the Master Minimum Equipment List ( MMEL) as part of the Operational Suitability Data (OSD) defined in Part21. 35
Do you have to have MMEL before flying?
All items related to the airworthiness of the aircraft and not included in the MMEL are automatically required to be operative prior to flight.
Do you need to list non-safety equipment?
This implies that all systems related to the airworthiness of the aircraft and not included in the list are automatically required to be operative, whereas nonsafety-related equipment, such as galley equipment and passenger convenience items, do not need to be listed.
Can non safety related items be included in MMEL?
Nonsafety-related items need not be included in the MMEL, unless so desired by the applicant.

What Is The Minimum Equipment List (Mel)?
- A minimum equipment list (MEL) is a list which provides for the operation of aircraft, subject to specified conditions, with particular equipment inoperative (which is) prepared by an operatorin conformity with, or more restrictive than, the MMEL established for the aircraft type. The master minimum equipment list (MMEL) is a list established for a...
When Does The Mel Apply?
How Airline Pilots Use The Minimum Equipment List?
Mel Operational and Maintenance Procedures
Rectification Interval Category
- The MEL applies prior to dispatch – once the aircraft has been dispatched (“moved under its own power for the purpose of take off”) the MEL no longer applies and the crew should reference the relevant part of the QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) or FCOM (Flight Crew Operating Manual). Although the Minimum Equipment List no longer applies, reference should be made to it to aid i…
Using The Mel – An Example
- As stated above the Minimum Equipment List provides for the safe and legal dispatch of aircraft with certain systems inoperative. However, the following points must be considered: 1. The aircraft commander is the only person authorized to determine that the flight can depart safely with inoperative equipment. The commander, in his/her judgement, may require equipment over …
What Is The Configuration Deviation List (CDL)?
- Every effort must be made to rectify defects prior to departure. However if this is not possible, and if flight safety would not be impacted, an aircraft may be allowed to “carry” (operate with) a defect for a limited amount of time. If there is an INOP system it will be recorded in the aircraft Tech Log along with the relevant MEL reference. The MEL will list the relevant INOPsystem, any operation…