Aircraft Minimum Equipment List Regulations

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Questions and Answers

Which items are automatically required to be operative in an aircraft?

Items affecting airworthiness not in the MEL (correct)

Items not affecting airworthiness

Entertainment systems

Items included in the MEL

What is the primary document used as a basis for preparing the MEL?

Aircraft safety regulations

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (correct)

Flight operational specifications

Aircraft maintenance manual

What must an operator specify in the preamble of the MEL?

Provisions for emergency procedures

Philosophy for invoking the MEL (correct)

A summary of airworthiness requirements

Operational specifications of the aircraft

What is the rectification interval for defects in Category ‘B’ items?

Within three consecutive calendar days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about MEL preparation is FALSE?

MEL may deviate from flight manual limitations section Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of customizing the MEL by the operator?

Considering operational specifications and configurations Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured about the MMEL before preparing the MEL?

It includes the latest revisions approved by the appropriate authority Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the MEL, what does Category 'A' refer to?

Items needing repair within a designated time Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the RAO after a MEL is scrutinized by the Airworthiness office or FOI?

To refer any deficiencies to the operator for corrective action. Signup and view all the answers

Within what time frame must a proposed revision to the MEL be submitted for approval after the MMEL revision date?

90 days Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym MEL stand for in this context?

Minimum Equipment List Signup and view all the answers

What document must be carried onboard the aircraft as part of the Operations Manual related to the MEL?

A copy of the approved MEL Signup and view all the answers

What should the operator include in their Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME) regarding the MEL?

The procedures for revoking the MEL Signup and view all the answers

What happens if an aircraft is dispatched with multiple inoperative items according to the guidelines?

It is permissible if the crew is consulted. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for temporary revisions to the MEL for similar configured aircraft?

No approval is necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that no aircraft is dispatched with multiple inoperative items?

The Continuing Airworthiness Manager Signup and view all the answers

What must the operator provide for MEL items not included in the MMEL?

Due justification for the same Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the MEL to comply with the MMEL?

It must not be less restrictive than the MMEL Signup and view all the answers

Which items must the operator submit alongside the MEL for approval?

The MEL in duplicate and the MMEL Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the MEL according to the preparation guidelines?

Maintenance and operational procedures from the manufacturer Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'RAO' stand for in the context of MEL approval?

Regional Airworthiness Office Signup and view all the answers

What is an operator required to submit regarding the consultation process for MEL preparation?

A certificate stating MEL was prepared with the operations department Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items must be included in the preamble of the MEL?

'O' & 'M' items and ETOPS items Signup and view all the answers

What documentation revision must the operator ensure is indicated on the MEL?

The latest revision number of the MMEL Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Overview

Certain items, primarily those unrelated to airworthiness, such as galley equipment and entertainment systems, are not included in the Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
All items impacting aircraft airworthiness or passenger safety not listed in the MEL must be operative.

Framing of MEL

Operators must prepare the MEL based on the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), ensuring all revisions are current and approved by regulatory authorities.
The MEL must be customized considering the specific aircraft's operational specifications, configuration, modifications, and relevant regulations.
Deviation from the flight manual limitations, emergency procedures, or DGCA airworthiness requirements is prohibited unless explicitly allowed by DGCA.

MEL Category Definitions

Category ‘A’: Items must be repaired within a specified time frame indicated in the MEL.
Category ‘B’: Items must be repaired within three consecutive calendar days, not counting the day the malfunction was documented.
Explanations of 'O' & 'M' items, ETOPS, RVSM, and additional comments on MEL items are required in the MEL's preamble.

Regulatory Requirements

Relevant regulatory equipment and procedures, such as TCAS, GPWS, CVR, DFDR, and emergency escape path lighting, must be included in the MEL based on applicable regulations.
A list of these MEL items must be submitted to the local Airworthiness Office.

Approval Process

MEL and MMEL copies (in duplicate) must be submitted to the Regional Airworthiness Office (RAO) for approval, ensuring compliance with the latest MMEL revision.
The RAO will forward the MEL to a Field Operations Inspector (FOI) for operational scrutiny after airworthiness review.
Any deficiencies identified must be addressed by the operator before approval.
Once satisfied that the MEL meets regulatory standards, the RAO will approve it and inform DGCA headquarters.

Revisions and Updates

Revisions to the MEL require following the same approval process and must be submitted within 90 days of the MMEL revision date.
Temporary revisions can extend MEL applicability to similar aircraft configurations without additional approval; however, any changes in MEL items require approval.

Use of MEL

Operators must describe the procedure for urgent revocation of the MEL in their Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME).
The Continuing Airworthiness Manager is responsible for ensuring no aircraft is dispatched with multiple inoperative items, which could overwhelm the crew, necessitating crew consultation in such instances.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential regulations and categories regarding the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for aircraft. It explores the importance of airworthiness, the preparation of MEL based on the Master Minimum Equipment List, and the distinctions between MEL categories. Test your knowledge on these critical aviation operational standards.