A commercial pilot notices the fuel flow gauge is inoperative before departure on an aircraft without an approved Minimum Equipment List. According to 14 CFR 91.213(d), which condition must be met before the pilot may legally fly with this instrument inoperative?
- AThe instrument may remain inoperative only if flight is conducted under VFR conditions
- BThe gauge must be removed entirely and the wiring capped by an FAA inspector
- CThe instrument must not be required by the aircraft's type certification, airworthiness directives, or 91.205, and must be placarded inoperative
- DThe pilot must obtain a special flight permit from the local Flight Standards District Office
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The instrument must not be required by the aircraft's type certification, airworthiness directives, or 91.205, and must be placarded inoperative
Without an MEL, 14 CFR 91.213(d) requires that the inoperative equipment not be part of the VFR-day type certification instruments/equipment list, not required by an AD, not required by 91.205 or other applicable rule for the flight, and that a determination be made that the item does not constitute a hazard, followed by deactivation and placarding as inoperative.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. VFR conditions alone do not satisfy the regulatory requirements of 91.213(d).
- B. Removal by an FAA inspector is not required; a mechanic may deactivate/placard the item, or it may be removed per maintenance procedures.
- D. A special flight permit (ferry permit) is unrelated to inoperative instrument procedures.
Inoperative Equipment Without MEL
14 CFR 91.213(d) allows flight with inoperative instruments/equipment if they are not required by certification, ADs, or 91.205, are determined not to constitute a hazard, and are deactivated and placarded.
- Applies to aircraft without an approved Minimum Equipment List.
- Requires determination by a pilot or mechanic that the item is not a safety hazard.
- Item must be deactivated and placarded 'Inoperative'.
Memory trick: "No MEL? Check cert, ADs, and 205 — then placard it and go."