Definition of MEL
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a document that outlines the minimum equipment required for a specific aircraft type to operate safely in particular conditions. It is a set of guidelines approved by the regulatory authority, which include information regarding the aircraft’s system malfunctions and limitations, and the corresponding corrective actions to be taken by pilots.
The MEL serves as a comprehensive guide for pilots and maintenance personnel, providing specific instructions for equipment failures or inoperative aircraft systems, as well as identifying equipment that are not essential to flight safety in certain situations.
The list is created based on the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations, with the aim of ensuring a safe flight by defining the minimum equipment necessary to operate an aircraft in various types of physical states or weather conditions.
Compliance with the MEL is mandatory, and failing to adhere to the guidelines is a violation that can lead to hefty fines or more severe penalties. Therefore, it is essential for pilots and maintenance staff to thoroughly understand the MEL requirements and follow them accordingly to guarantee flight safety.
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