We seem to get asked, What is a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) quite often!
A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a document that specifies the minimum equipment that must be operational on an aircraft for it to be dispatched legally for a flight.
It is a regulatory requirement for many aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe.
The MEL is developed by the aircraft manufacturer or operator in collaboration with aviation authorities and is specific to each aircraft type. It identifies the systems, instruments, and equipment that are essential for the safe operation of the aircraft.
The list categorizes equipment based on its criticality to flight operations and provides guidelines for operating the aircraft with certain equipment temporarily inoperative.
The MEL typically includes:
- List of Items: A comprehensive list of all equipment on the aircraft, categorized based on criticality.
- Allowable Inoperative Items: Specifies which equipment can be inoperative for dispatch and under what conditions. This includes any limitations or procedures that must be followed when operating with inoperative equipment.
- Conditions for Dispatch: Outlines the conditions that must be met before dispatching the aircraft with inoperative equipment. This may include factors such as weather conditions, flight routing, and alternate procedures.
- Flight Crew Procedures: Provides guidance to flight crew members on how to handle inoperative equipment during pre-flight checks, flight operations, and troubleshooting.
- Documentation Requirements: Specifies the documentation that must be carried on board the aircraft when operating with inoperative equipment, including any required maintenance records or logbook entries.
The MEL is a dynamic document that is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in regulations, equipment configurations, and operational requirements.
It plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft while providing operators with flexibility in managing maintenance issues and operational disruptions.
If you have any questions regarding your Minimum Equipment List requirements, please contact Peter at Aviation Info Tech today