What is the minimum equipment list (MEL)?

• A. A list of emergency procedures.
• B. A list of equipment that may be inoperative with FAA approval for various flight types.
• C. A checklist for preflight.
• D. A list of required equipment only.

Answer: (B)

The minimum equipment list is a document that specifies which equipment may be inoperative and still permit a flight to occur, under FAA-approved conditions and with defined limitations. It’s tailored to each aircraft type and operator, and it comes from the Master Minimum Equipment List as a basis for what can be deferred safely. This allows a flight to proceed when certain nonessential items are not functioning, as long as the MEL provisions are followed and the remaining required equipment supports safe operation. It is not a set of emergency procedures, nor a preflight checklist, nor simply a list of equipment that must be on the airplane.