8.7 NON-REVENUE FLIGHTS

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?

To ensure all aircraft systems are operational at all times
To keep a record of aircraft maintenance history
To provide limitations and procedures for operating with unserviceable items (correct)
To define the safety regulations for handling defective equipment

Who has the authority to decide whether to operate an aircraft with unserviceable items listed in the MEL?

The Commander of the flight (correct)
The Maintenance Crew
The Chief Pilot
The aircraft manufacturer

What must the MEL not be less restrictive than?

The Regional Flight Operations Manual
The Aircraft Safety Standards
The Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (correct)
The General Aviation Guidelines

Which of the following factors should the Commander consider when dispatching with unserviceable items?

Multiple unserviceabilities and operational aspects like weather (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does AEROTRANSCARGO hold that allows operations with unserviceable equipment?

Approval from the CAA RM for each aircraft type (D) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may the Commander decide not to operate the aircraft despite MEL provisions?

If he believes unserviceabilities may affect safety (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the MEL take into account when discussing operational limitations?

The area of operation, such as ETOPS or RVSM (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical element that the MEL does not include?

Procedures for multiple unserviceabilities (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is an MEL?

A document that lists the equipment, systems, and installations that can be unserviceable before a flight, along with conditions and procedures for operating with those items inoperative. It is a critical tool for maintaining safe flight operations.

How does the MEL relate to the MMEL?

The MEL is based on, but may not be less restrictive than, the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), which is developed by the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the aviation authority.

What is the purpose of the MEL?

The MEL allows an aircraft to fly with certain items out of service, as long as it doesn’t impact flight safety and meets the specific requirements of the MEL.

Who has the final say on whether to operate with equipment unserviceabilities?

The commander has the authority to operate with specified items unserviceable according to the MEL but, ultimately, they are not obliged to operate with any defect that they believe could impact flight safety.

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What factors does the MEL consider, and what doesn't it address?

The MEL considers factors like operational areas (ETOPS, NAT HLA, RVSM) and location (base or outstation), but it doesn't address multiple unserviceabilities.

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What factors should the commander consider when deciding on a flight with multiple unserviceabilities?

The commander must judge multiple unserviceabilities together with the weather and other operational factors to decide whether to proceed with a flight.

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Study Notes

Operations Manual Part A - Operating Procedures

Unserviceabilities (8.6.1): Aircraft equipment may be inoperable without compromising safety, as long as the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) allows it.
MEL is a document approved by the Type Certificating Authority.
The MEL specifies items that can be inoperable during a particular flight, including conditions and procedures.
The MEL considers different operational limitations like ETOPS, NAT HLA, and RVSM.
The commander is responsible for assuring that items are not unserviceable in such a way that it negatively impacts flight safety. Commander is not obligated to operate if unserviceabilities pose a safety risk, regardless of the MEL.
The MEL doesn't address whether a base or outstation operation has any limitations related to unserviceability.

Configuration Deviation List (CDL) (8.6.3)

The CDL lists missing aircraft panels, doors, hatches, etc. which are acceptable for specified operations and also indicates acceptable damage to the aircraft skin/structure.
It is separate from the MEL but is included in the Operations Manual Part B for the relevant aircraft type.

Non-Revenue Flights (8.7)

Subsections cover training flights (8.7.1) and other non-revenue flights (8.7.2). Details regarding these topics are not provided in the excerpts contained.