DDG/CDL Flashcards
What is the MEL?
The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) lists the system, function or equipment which may be inoperative
Preamble
If an AIRWORTHINESS defect is not listed in MEL, can you go?
NO
ALL ITEMS RELATED TO AIRWORTHINESS AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE MEL ARE REQUIRED TO BE OPERATIVE…. Preamble
What is a NAD?
Items which do not affect airworthiness for the proposed operation and are not listed in the MEL, may be inoperative as a Non Airworthiness Defect (NAD) e.g. passenger and cabin equipment (excluding safety equipment) and items installed for convenience and commercial use. Preamble
Can you depart with defect if it can be fixed at the departure port?
An MEL SHOULD not be applied if there is time, spares and manpower available to rectify the defect…preamble
Can LAME apply MEL without Capt?
YES, BUT…..
If the Captain is available, the Captain’s agreement shall be obtained prior to application of the MEL by the LAME.
If the Captain is not available, the MEL may be applied, however the Captain must subsequently be satisfied that any resulting operational restrictions are acceptable for the flight
PREAMBLE
What factors must CPT consider when accepting an MEL?
Does CPT have to accept MEL?
When accepting an MEL, the Captain should consider the operational implications of increased workload and weather conditions for departure, en-route or destination
The Captain, after consideration of operational implications, may require a defect to be rectified before an aircraft proceeds irrespective of the content in the MEL.
Preamble
What must you do if a system, function or equipment become inoperative after aircraft doors are closed and prior to takeoff?
Should a system, function or equipment become inoperative after aircraft doors are closed and prior to takeoff, the flight crew must complete any required Non-Normal/Abnormal procedures, and then refer to the MEL to determine if dispatch relief is available. If the inoperative airworthiness item is not listed in the MEL, takeoff is prohibited.
What type of MEL be applied by flight crew?
When at maintenance airport?
Non-maintenance airport?
At non-maintenance ports, the Captain may apply an MEL at any time during the transit.
At maintenance ports, the Captain may apply an MEL after doors closed.
An MEL can only be applied by Flight Crew provided there are no maintenance (M) specific procedures(M OR O is ok). An MEL can only be applied prior to takeoff. If the Captain does apply an MEL, any placard requirements, and any applicable procedure must be actioned prior to takeoff. (Refer to “Procedure when Flight Crew apply a MEL’ in this chapter). On arrival at next maintenance base, a LAME must ensure placarding has been completed in accordance with the MEL requirements
Alpha suffix at end of MEL number eg. MEL Item 21-21-01A and 21-21-01B …what does it mean?
For example, there may be MEL Item 21-21-01A and 21-21-01B which are for the same defect but provide different options for dispatching with that defect. Any one of these dispatch options may be applied to the defect depending on conditions or other failures and it is the responsibility of the LAME, in consultation with the Flight Crew, to determine which option is the most applicable
Can equipment be removed without MEL approval?
NO…Operation with equipment removed is not permitted under the MEL, unless the MEL explicitly allows such removal
Procedure when Flight Crew apply a MEL
procedure must not be used if there is a maintenance (M) procedure to be actioned to apply the MEL item
Prior to take off:
1) Flight Crew contact MOC(maintenance operations centre) and ensure the required MEL can be applied and is appropriate for the defect.
2) Flight Crew obtain an MOC Authority Number from MOC
3)Ensure all MEL provisos are complied with.
4) Placard the inoperative item(s).
5) complete tech log and send coupon(after landing is OK if defect “after doors closed”) as per DDG preamble
Tech log “CAT” field
what does CAT A,B,C,D signify?
What about X?
What about L?
CAT A,B,C,D = repair interval - period of time the item can be deferred in accordance with the MEL before repairs must be carried out
X = CDL item
L = signifies a time or cycle limitation requirement
Tech Log
What does Dash (-) indicate in MEL?
Indicates a VARIABLE number (quantity) of the instrument and equipment items may be installed or required for dispatch
MEL - “Extended Over Water Flight”
Definition?
Extended Over Water Flight - As used in an MEL means an operation over water at a horizontal distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.
MEL - “Takeoff”
When does takeoff commence for purposes of MEL?
Takeoff -. For the purposes of MEL relief, this translates to the point at which the pilot physically begins to apply power to initiate the takeoff from the runway or takeoff surface
What level EICAS message requires MEL relief?
What about maintenance level messages?
Any messages that affects aircraft dispatch status will be displayed at a STATUS message level or higher.
The absence of an EICAS STATUS or higher level (WARNING, CAUTION, ADVISORY) indicates that the system/component is operating within its approved operating limits or tolerances.
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)
What is it for MEL purposes?
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)
RVSM airspace is any airspace or route between FL 290 and FL 410 inclusive where aircraft are separated vertically by 1,000 feet (300 metres
What is a “permissable unservicability”
Do you need approval to depart with one?
Where a defect is outside the scope of the MEL, it may be possible for CASA to approve continued operation with the defect as a ’Permissible Unserviceability’
If a Permissible Unserviceability is required, it must be requested from CASA by a Qantas Airways authorised person(get help!)
“Cat A” repair interval
How long?
When does it start?
Items in this category must be repaired within the time interval specified in the remarks or exceptions of the MEL
For time intervals specified in “calendar days” or “flight days”, the day the malfunction was recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log is excluded. For all other time intervals (flights, flight legs, cycles, hours, etc), repair tracking begins at the point when the malfunction is deferred in accordance with the MEL.
Category B Items in this category must be repaired within…..?
Category B Items in this category must be repaired within 3 consecutive calendar days (72 hours), excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log.
Category C Items in this category must be repaired within….?
Category C Items in this category must be repaired within 10 consecutive calendar days (240 hours), excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log
Category D Items in this category must be repaired within ….?
Category D Items in this category must be repaired within 120 consecutive calendar days (2880 hours), excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log
Repair Interval Extensions…
Can you get them?
Which repair interval categories?
What do you need to get to extend?
Repair Interval Extensions - Authority to Proceed (ATP)Repair Interval Extensions - Authority to Proceed (ATP)It is permissible to extend the maximum repair interval once for MEL category B and C items when the defect cannot be rectified within the specified repair interval provided the authorisation is granted using an Authority to Proceed (ATP)
Where must placards be placed?
To the extent practical, placards should be located adjacent to the control or indicator related to inoperative system(s), function(s) or component(s)
