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

The primary purpose of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is to identify which equipment is necessary for a flight. The MEL is a crucial document that specifies the equipment that must be functioning in order for the aircraft to be airworthy and safe to operate for a given flight. It allows for operational flexibility by ensuring that essential equipment is maintained while still permitting the aircraft to be flown with certain non-essential equipment inoperative, provided that the overall safety of the flight is not compromised.

This documentation is essential for pilots and operators, as it helps them determine whether the aircraft can be dispatched under specific circumstances and what procedures need to be followed if certain equipment is inoperative. The MEL is tailored to each aircraft model and is based on the manufacturer's recommendations as well as FAA regulations, which together ensure that the aircraft remains safe and compliant for flight operations.