Minimum equipment list

In aviation, a minimum equipment list (abbreviated MEL) provides for the operation of an aircraft in airworthy conditions, although certain instruments or equipment are inoperative. It lists the instruments and equipment that may be inoperative without jeopardizing the safety of the aircraft. It is developed for a specific aircraft and type of operation and is approved by the appropriate authority (the FAA for civil registered aircraft in the United States, EASA for civil registered aircraft in Europe, etc). It also includes procedures for flight crews to follow when securing or deactivating inoperative instruments or equipment.

Generation of a MEL

When an aircraft is manufactured, the manufacturer submits a proposed master minimum equipment list (PMMEL) to the Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB). The FOEB reviews the PMMEL and once approved it becomes a master minimum equipment list (MMEL). The MMEL is then distributed to all the Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO). The MMEL becomes an MEL once it is accepted by the owner/operator of an aircraft following the appropriate procedure.

Types of equipment included in a MEL

A MEL can include any equipment that does not jeopardize the safety of flight with a few exceptions. An MEL cannot include:
*Equipment required by the airworthiness certificate
*Equipment required by Airworthiness Directives
*Equipment required by 91.205, 91.207, etc.Unreferenced|date=August 2008

Obtaining of a MEL

If you own or operate an aircraft and wish to operate under a MEL, here is what you need to do.First, let your local FSDO know your request and make an appointment with someone there to discuss operating under an MEL. They will discuss the MMEL and what it means to operate under an MEL in detail. You can take the MMEL home and think about it. You may also make changes to it (You can make it more restrictive but not less.). Once you have decided that you like the MMEL, you will take it back to the FSDO and discuss the requirements and procedures for the document. The FSDO will then issue you the MEL and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to operate under the MEL. The MEL only applies to the specific make, model, serial number and registration number of aircraft it was issued.

The LOA+ MEL = Supplemental Type Certificate.

Manufacturer submits a Proposed Master Minimum Equipment List (PMMEL)

Flight Operations and Evaluation Board (F.O.E.B.)

Approval as Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)

Gets Distributed to all FSDO’s

Owner or Operator contacts the FSDO to get a copy of the MMEL

Makes changes but only more restrictive

Back to the FSDO for approval

Letter of Authorization (to authorize the use of the MEL)+Approved MEL=Supplemental Type Certificate (registration specific)

No one is required to have an MELOperating under part 121, 125, 127, 129, 135,Large (12,500 lbs.), or turbine powered aircraftYou may not operate with inoperative equipment without an MELThis means these operations for the most part have to have an MEL.

Operating with a MEL

#Check to see if you may make the flight per the MEL.
#Follow the deactivation or removal procedure (or have a qualified person do it).
#Placard the inoperative equipment.
#PIC must confirm this inoperative equipment does not present hazards to the safety of the flight prior to taking off.

Implementation

Minimum equipment lists are issued to specific aircraft and specific operators. In order to use a minimum equipment list, that specific company must receive a letter of authorization from the FAA in the United States or its regulatory counterpart in other nations.

A minimum equipment list is required in the United States:

* When operating any turbine-powered aircraft such as jets or turboprops.
* When operating under part 135 (Commuter and on-demand operations) [http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/janqtr/14cfr135.179.htm]
* When operating under part 125 (Non-airline large aircraft operations) [http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/janqtr/14cfr125.201.htm]