A Part 121 aircraft has an inoperative item that is listed in the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) as allowing dispatch under specified conditions. According to MEL provisions, which of the following is required before the flight may be dispatched with this item inoperative?
- AApproval must be obtained from the FAA regional office prior to each individual flight
- BA placard is installed as required, a maintenance record entry is made, and the item is deactivated or removed if the MEL requires it
- CVerbal notification to the flight crew is sufficient with no maintenance log entry required
- DThe item must be repaired within 10 flight days regardless of MEL category, with no other action needed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A placard is installed as required, a maintenance record entry is made, and the item is deactivated or removed if the MEL requires it
MEL dispatch relief requires proper maintenance action: placarding the inoperative item, making a maintenance record/logbook entry, and deactivating or removing the item if specified by the MEL, in addition to any operational (O) or maintenance (M) procedures listed. This ensures the flight crew and dispatcher are aware and operating limitations are observed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MEL relief is pre-approved via the FAA-approved MEL; individual flight approval by region is not required.
- C. A logbook/maintenance entry is always required, not just verbal notice.
- D. Repair intervals (A/B/C/D categories) vary and this action alone is insufficient.
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Dispatch Relief
An FAA-approved document permitting dispatch with specified inoperative equipment provided maintenance and operational procedures are followed, including placarding and logbook entries.
- MEL items are categorized A, B, C, D by allowable repair interval
- Placard must be installed at the item location if required
- Maintenance record entry documents the deferral
- Item must be deactivated/removed if the MEL specifies this action
Memory trick: Placard it, Log it, Deactivate it — three steps before you fly with it broken