Introduction by Sofema Aviation Service www.sassofia.com
Introduction
A minimum equipment list (MEL) is a detailed list of equipment’s and or systems. The list provides for criteria by which the operation of aircraft, subject to specified conditions, may continue with particular equipment inoperative.
The MEL is prepared by the operator in conformity with, or more restrictive than the MMEL established for the aircraft type. (Reference also to CAO Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft)
The operator shall include in the operations manual (either within the document or as a separate associated standalone document) a minimum equipment list (MEL).
The MEL is approved by the State of the Operator which will enable the pilot-in-command to determine whether a flight may be commenced or continued from any intermediate stop should any instrument, equipment or systems become inoperative.
Where the State of the Operator is not the State of Registry, the State of the Operator shall ensure that the MEL does not affect the aeroplane’s compliance with the airworthiness requirements applicable in the State of Registry. (ICAO Annex 6 Part I Chapter 6 Para 6.1.1)
Multiple Simultaneous Unserviceability Situations
In the event of multiple unserviceability’s of aircraft systems which are essentially unrelated it is not possible to address all configurations using an MMEL nor, therefore, it follows also by an MEL. The final decision as to whether or not to accept for flight (Go / No GO) in the case of multiple unserviceability’s ultimately rests with the designated Aircraft Commander. (Assuming such failures would individually be allowable by MEL provisions) – Guidance may be appropriate from the operator to support the decision making process.
Note
An operator may not operate an aircraft which does not comply with the approved MEL, except with the explicit permission of the Appropriate Regulatory Authority, usually the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or National Airworthiness Authority NAA.
Such permission will typically NOT be granted to allow the aircraft to operate outside conditions set by the corresponding MMEL.
Configuration Deviation List (CDL)
The MEL is entirely separate from the Configuration Deviation List (CDL), which is a list of secondary airframe and engine components which may be recorded as missing for without prejudicing the acceptance of an aircraft for flight.
Notes Concerning Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)
The master minimum equipment list (MMEL) is a list established for a particular aircraft type by the Type Certificate Holder (TCH) – The organisation responsible for the type design.
A Stakeholder in the certification is the regulatory authority of the State of Design which “signs off” on the process and mechanism to identify items which individually may be unserviceable at the commencement of a flight. The MMEL may also be associated with special operating conditions, limitations or procedures. (ICAO Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft)
Sofema Aviation Services provides EASA compliant regulatory training including the use of the MEL please see www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
