MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST

Question 1

This MEL has four sections:

Answer 1

How to Use (HOW): This section contains general information and describes the organization of the manual.
MEL Entries (ME) This section lists all the ECAM alerts and indicates the associated MEL item (if any) to apply for dispatching the aircraft. This section is a user-friendly entry point for the flight crew and the maintenance personnel when an ECAM alert reports a system failure.
MEL Items (MI) This section lists all the MEL items with the associated dispatch conditions.
MEL Operational This section gives the operational procedures that are associated with the Procedures (MO) MEL items.

Question 2

OLB

Answer 2

OPS LIBRARY Browser

Question 3

HOW TO USE THE MEL ENTRIES SECTION?

Answer 3

This section lists all the ECAM alerts. The CAM monitors the condition of some systems. In the case of malfunction of one or more systems, the ECAM provides the flight crew with an associated
ECAM alert. Refer to MI-00-08 CAM and MAINTENANCE STATUS.
For each ECAM alert, this section indicates the associated MEL item (if any) to be applied for the dispatch.
When an ECAM alert reports a system failure, the flight crew and the maintenance personnel should refer to this section as a user-friendly entry point in the MEL.

Question 4

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: AIRCRAFT STATUS COLUMN

Answer 4

An ECAM alert may cover one or several failure modes of the monitored system.
For each failure mode, the AIRCRAFT STATUS column may indicate the following status: NIL When there is only one failure mode, the AIRCRAFT STATUS column indicates NIL.
When there are several failure modes, the AIRCRAFT STATUS column might give a short description of each failure mode and/or a simple way to identify each failure mode. If the MEL does not give this information, the column displays NIL.
Actual alert This indicates that the monitored system is inoperative. The failure mode is the failure of the monitored system.
False alert . This indicates that the monitoring system is inoperative. The failure mode is the failure of the monitoring system. The monitored system remains fully operative.

Question 5

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: CONDITION OF DISPATCH COLUMN

Answer 5

For each failure mode, the CONDITION OF DISPATCH column gives the applicable MEL item(s) for dispatch. But the flight crew is responsible for checking that the condition of the aircraft systems/components complies with the MEL requirements. If not, the dispatch of the aircraft is not permitted.
The CONDITION OF DISPATCH column may also give the following alternate possibilities:
NO DISPATCH It is not permitted to dispatch the aircraft when the ECAM displays this
alert.
Not related to MEL: The ECAM alert does not report a system failure but a reversible
abnormal condition such as the state of a system or an aircraft
configuration or an external condition. This condition is not a system
failure and is not related to MEL. The MEL shall not be used.
This is not a NO-GO situation. The corrective action to revert to normal
condition is immediate, obvious or well known by flight crew and/or
maintenance personnel.

Question 6

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: HOW TO USE THE MEL ITEMS SECTION?

Answer 6

This section lists the equipment, components, systems or functions that are safety-related and that
are temporarily permitted to be inoperative at departure provided that it complies with the associated
MEL requirements.
Note: One single computer may include several functions. The corresponding MEL item is either:
The computer: The MEL does not consider the loss of a single function. In this case,
when one function is inoperative, it is considered that the computer is inoperative.
Each function separately. In this case, if several functions are inoperative, all the related
MEL items are applied.

Question 7

HOW TO USE THE MEL ITEMS SECTION? ITEM NUMBERING

Answer 7

A code of three pairs of digits or four pairs of digits identifies each MEL item.
The three first digits of this numbering system follow the ATA Spec 2200.
The last pair of digits is the item rank. The item rank complies with the following Airbus
organization rules:
Item ranks from 01 to 49 are for Airbus MEL items.
For items on the overhead panels:
Item ranks from 01 to 29 refer to lights,
Item ranks from 31 to 49 refer to pushbutton switches and selectors.

Question 8

HOW TO USE THE MEL ITEMS SECTION? DISPATCH CONDITIONS

Answer 8

The dispatch conditions indicate (for each applicable item) the suitable conditions, limitations
(placards, operational procedures, maintenance procedures) necessary to ensure that an
acceptable level of safety is maintained.
Some MEL items may have several dispatch conditions. Each dispatch condition offers a different
option to dispatch the aircraft.
A reference identifies each dispatch condition.

Question 9

HOW TO USE THE MEL ITEMS SECTION? REPAIR INTERVAL

Answer 9

Each dispatch condition has an associated repair interval. The preamble of this MEL defines the
repair interval categories. Refer to MI-00-05 Repair Interval.
A dash symbol replaces the repair interval in the following cases:
For dispatch conditions that refer to another manual (Weight and Balance, CDL…). The MEL is
not the appropriate manual for this dispatch condition.
For dispatch conditions that refer to one or more items) for which there are several dispatch
conditions with different repair intervals. In this case, the initial repair interval is left with a dash
symbol as it will be driven by the repair interval of the referred MEL item dispatch condition(s).
For NO-GO items.

Question 10

HOW TO USE THE MEL ITEMS SECTION? NBR INSTALLED VS. NBR REQUIRED

Answer 10

NBR INSTALLED
Each dispatch condition has a “number installed” that specifies the quantity of equipment,
components, systems or functions installed on the aircraft.
This quantity corresponds to the aircraft type certified configuration and, therefore required for
all flight conditions, unless otherwise indicated in the “number required” in conjunction with the
provisos of the dispatch condition.
A dash symbol indicates that a variable quantity is installed.
NBR REQUIRED
Each dispatch condition has a “number required” that specifies the minimum quantity of
equipment, components, systems or functions that must be operative for dispatch in accordance
with the provisos of the dispatch condition.
A dash symbol indicates that a variable quantity is required for dispatch.
When the “number required” is the same as the “number installed” and the repair interval is
defined, this means that the dispatch condition covers the partial failure of the item. The dispatch
is permitted provided that the associated requirements are satisfied.

Question 11

HOW TO USE THE MEL OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES SECTION?

Answer 11

This section lists the operational procedures associated with the MEL items. The dispatch conditions
may require an operational procedure to permit the dispatch of the aircraft.
The operational procedures are split and organized into specific flight phases. The flight crew has to
apply the part of the operational procedure related to the relevant flight phase.
The operational procedures may also have the following parts:
- General Information
- Flight Preparation/Limitation

Question 12

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: LOW VISIBILITY TAKE-OFF (LVTO)
The required equipment to be operative for conducting LVTO are listed in the

Answer 12

OM-A 7.5.4.1.

Question 13

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: PERFORMANCE-BASED NAVIGATION (PBN)
The minimum equipment/functions required for the RNAV / RNP operations are also listed in the

Answer 13

FCOM

Question 14

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: REDUCED VERTICAL SEPARATION MINIMUM (RVSM)
The minimum equipment/functions required to begin RVSM operations are listed in the

Answer 14

Flight Manual (Refer to AFM/NORM-34 Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)) and FCOM (Refer to FCOM/PRO-SPO-50 Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum - RVSM).

Question 15

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: MEL TEMPORARY REVISIONS

Answer 15

The Temporary revisions are printed on yellow paper to cover urgent matters arising between normal revisions. They are accompanied by filling instructions, and an updated List of effective temporary revisions.

Question 16

MEL ITEMS : 00 PREAMBLE : 00-02 Introduction to the MMEL

Answer 16

The MMEL is a document that lists the system, function, or equipment which may be temporarily inoperative, subject to certain conditions, while maintaining an acceptable level of safety. It does not contain obviously required items such as wings, flaps, and rudders.
ALL ITEMS RELATED TO THE AIRWORTHINESS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND NOT INCLUDED IN THE MMEL ARE AUTOMATICALLY REQUIRED TO BE OPERATIVE FOR DISPATCH. Non-safety related equipment such as galley equipment and passenger convenience items need not be listed.
The MMEL is the basis for the development of individual Operator’s MEL which take into consideration the Operator’s particular aircraft equipment configuration and operational conditions. In order to maintain an acceptable level of safety and reliability, the MMEL establishes limitations on the duration of and conditions for operation with inoperative item.

Question 17

MEL ITEMS : 00 PREAMBLE : 00-02 Introduction to the MMEL

Answer 17

1. The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is based on the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). 2. MEL enables operators to rapidly dispatch an aircraft and avoid unnecessary delays or flight cancellations, without compromising safety.
2. CAR requires that all equipment installed on an aircraft in compliance with the airworthiness standards and operating rules must be operative. However, the rules also permit operation of an aircraft under Minimum Equipment List (MEL) where compliance with certain equipment requirements for limited period is not necessary, when the remaining Instruments and equipment provide an acceptable level of safety under all operating conditions without adversely affecting the airworthiness of the aircraft.
3. Therefore certain conditional deviations from the original requirement are authorized to permit continued or uninterrupted operation of the aircraft in revenue flight : they are published in the MEL.
4. The MEL may differ in format from the MMEL, but cannot be less restrictive than MMEL.
5. The acceptable Deficiency/Minimum Equipment list (as approved by DGCA) is compiled with a view to assist the pilot and Engineers to determine where basic installations may be deficient of certain items without affecting the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft.
6. The MEL must not deviate from Aircraft Flight Manual Limitations, Emergency procedures or Airworthiness directives and DGCA regulations.
7. Suitable conditions and limitations in the form of placards, maintenance procedures, crew operational procedures, and other restrictions are necessary in the MEL to ensure that an acceptable level of safety is maintained.
8. The MEL is intended to permit operation with inoperative items of equipment for a period of time as per the category mentioned in the MEL.
9. A controlled and sound repair programme providing the parts, personnel, facilities, procedures to ensure timely repair shall be in place. For aircrafts under MEL all efforts must be made to carry out necessary rectification action to clear the MEL whenever the aircraft passes through or night halts at the main base (DELHI) subject to availability of time and spares.
10. When an item is discovered to be inoperative, it is reported by making an entry in the Aircraft Technical Logbook.
11. MEL conditions and limitations do not relieve Indigo from ensuring that the aircraft is in condition for safe operation with items of equipment inoperative.
12. MEL shall be invoked by appropriately licensed / approved persons.
13. It is, however emphasized that existence of this list in no way absolves the Captain or the Engineer/ Approved person from ensuring that the aircraft is safe for the proposed flight taking into consideration all aspects and circumstances of the flight. Notwithstanding the MEL an AME need not certify the aircraft for flight or a pilot need not accept the aircraft for flight if is considered that it is unsafe to do SO.
14. Deficiency list (MEL) need not include items like wings, flight controls, complete engines, landing gears etc. the airworthiness and correct functioning of which is absolutely necessary before any flight. It may also not include items like galley equipment, entertainment systems, passenger convenience equipment which do not affect the airworthiness of the aircraft.
15. A copy of the approved MEL shall be carried on board the aircraft.
16. The date in the footer of each page is the Issue/Revision date of that subsection. This date corresponds to a particular Issue/Revision of MEL, which can be identified/co-related from the ‘REVISION STATUS’ page.

Question 18

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-03 Criteria for Dispatch
PRIOR TO DOOR CLOSE (DISPATCH POINT) FOR COMMENCEMENT OF FLIGHT

Answer 18

Prior to closing of doors for commencement of flight, should a system, component or function become inoperative or degraded as indicated by the display of an ECAM message (Warning, Caution, Advisory, or Status) or other fault annunciations without an ECAM message, the maintenance personnel shall analyze the defect and refer MEL to determine if dispatch relief is available.
If the dispatch relief is available, the maintenance personnel shall invoke an MEL post accomplishment of the maintenance procedure, if required.
The maintenance personnel shall make an entry in the Aircraft Technical Log Book, inform flight crew and MCC.
It should be ensured that no aircraft is dispatched with multiple inoperative MEL items without first determining that the interface or interrelationship between inoperative systems or components will not result in degradation in level of safety and /or undue increase in crew workload.

Question 19

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-03 Criteria for Dispatch
FROM ALL CABIN DOORS CLOSED (DISPATCH POINT) TO COMMENCEMENT OF TAKEOFF RUN

Answer 19

From the time all cabin doors are closed to commencement of takeoff run, should a system, component or function become inoperative or degraded as indicated by the display of an ECAM message (Warning, Caution, Advisory, or Status*) or other fault annunciations without an ECAM message, flight crew should accomplish the appropriate checklist/procedure (OEB/Technical Notice/ECAM action/QRH/CB Reset/FCOM), if any.
Upon completion of the checklist/procedure, if the fault is cleared then continue with the flight. In case the fault remains, then MEL must be referred to determine if dispatch relief is available. MEL (O) should be applied at Captain’s discretion, to ascertain performance penalties or restrictions, as applicable for the remainder of the flight.
After all cabin doors are closed, the Commander may accept a defect by applying the appropriate MEL item(s) to continue with the flight. In this case, he shall ensure that all conditions listed below are observed:
1. The MEL item associated with the defect can be identified. If the defect is not covered by the
MEL, no dispatch is allowed unless it is a non-airworthiness item.
2. All dispatch requirements and (O) procedure, if any, associated with the MEL item can be
satisfied.
3. The flight crew shall be satisfied that the interface or interrelationship between inoperative
systems or components will result in an acceptable level of safety and/ or crew workload.

Question 20

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT LIST: CRITERIA FOR DISPATCH: In the case of a Status (Maintenance) message, there is

Answer 20

no associated checklist/ procedure. The application of MEL is only required if it is displayed before the first engine start. MEL application is not required if it is displayed after the first engine start has begun, i.e. engine Mode selector set to IGN/START.

Question 21

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-03 Criteria for Dispatch: Even when all dispatch requirements and (O) procedure conditions are met, the Commander may,

Answer 21

at his sole discretion, still elect not to continue with the flight.
In electing to continue with the flight, he must be satisfied at all times that the flight can be conducted safely. The commander’s decision in this regard shall be final and overriding. In accepting a defect to continue with the flight after the cabin doors are closed, the Commander should consider any potential impact the defect and the associated (O) procedure, if any, may have on the flight and its subsequent sectors in terms of safety, flight operations (e.g. crew workload required for the ensuing landing) and maintenance before proceeding.
When a defect is accepted and the flight is continued he shall record the defect in the Technical Log at the end of the flight.
At all times, it is incumbent upon the crew to ensure that all SOPs are adhered to while the above procedure is being applied.
In flight, the flight crew should inform OCC & MCC of the defect and the associated MEL application through ACARS/VHF. Such information may help in the preparation of defect rectification at the next station.

Question 22

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-04 * Maintenance Action: The term that Aircraft has commenced on a flight leg will be interpreted as

Answer 22

when the aircraft pushback commences from a pushback bay or moves under its own power from a non push back bay

Question 23

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-05 Repair Interval

Answer 23

Inoperative items, deferred in accordance with the MEL, must be rectified at or before the expiration of the repair interval that is established by the following letter designators given in the “Repair Interval” column.
Repair Interval A No standard interval is specified, however, items in this category shall be rectified in accordance with the dispatch conditions stated in the MEL.
Repair Interval B Items in this category shall be rectified within three (3) consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
Repair Interval C Items in this category shall be rectified within ten (10) consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
Repair Interval D .. Items in this category shall be rectified within one hundred and twenty (120) consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.

Question 24

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-06 Repair Interval Extension

Answer 24

Dispatch of the aircraft is not allowed after expiry or the Rectification interval specified in the MEL, unless the defect has been rectified or the MEL rectification interval is extended as per the procedure below:
a. Normally all MEL defects will be cleared within the time constraint imposed by MEL. On no account can the time limitations be extended by ground engineer or flight crew, without approval of Continuing Airworthiness Manager. In an unlikely event of MEL defect time limitations being exceeded due to circumstances beyond normal control, an extension may be applied by the MCC incharge to Continuing Airworthiness Manager.
b. Continuing Airworthiness Manager will assess the reason of non-compliance of rectification of the MEL defect and if the circumstances are considered acceptable, CAM will request DGCA, Headquarters for an extension of time limit(hours/cycles/landings/calendar) with satisfactory justification.
c. Continuing Airworthiness Manager may issue an extension of the applicable MEL Rectification Intervals B, C or D, with prior approval from DGCA, Headquarters.
d. Extension of MEL defect time limit is allowed for the period not longer than original acceptable deferrable time in accordance with MEL Category.
e. Dispatch of an aircraft is not allowed after expiry of the rectification interval (B, C or D) specified in MEL unless the rectification interval is extended in accordance with the conditions given above, or the defect is rectified.

Question 25

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-07 Definitions: Centralized Fault Display: System (CFDS)

Answer 25

It identifies the faulty system for maintenance purpose and is not required for dispatch of the aircraft.

Question 26

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-07 Definitions: Extended Diversion Time: Operations (EDTO)

Answer 26

The Extended Diversion Time Operations (EDTO) is an operation by an airplane with two or more turbine engines where the diversion time to an en-route alternate aerodrome is greater than 60 minutes.

Question 27

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-07 Definitions: Extended overwater flight

Answer 27

A flight where the aeroplane is operated over water at a distance away from land greater than 400 nautical miles.

Question 28

MEL ITEMS 00 PREAMBLE 00-08 - ECAM and MAINTENANCE STATUS: ECAM VS. MAINTENANCE MESSAGES ON THE STATUS SD page

Answer 28

ECAM
The A320 Family aircraft is equipped with the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) which provides different levels of aircraft systems monitoring messages:
‐ ECAMwarning ‐ ECAMadvisory ‐ ECAMcaution ‐ ECAMmemo.
ECAM warning and ECAM caution messages are listed in the “MEL Entries” section. ECAM advisory and ECAM memo messages are not listed in the “MEL Entries” section.

HANDLING OF MAINTENANCE MESSAGES ON THE STATUS SD page
At the beginning of each ATA chapter of the “MEL Item” section, the related MAINTENANCE messages which may be displayed on the STATUS SD page are listed in the Sub-Chapter “00” with the associated dispatch status.
A MAINTENANCE message indicates the presence of a category of failure which can only be identified by interrogation of the CFDS.
All MAINTENANCE messages have a repair interval C except the following messages: DAR, DMU or ACMS, QAR and ICE DETECT (If Installed) which have a repair interval D.
Dispatch with MAINTENANCE messages displayed on the STATUS SD page is permitted without condition except for the following message:
‐ AIR BLEED: Refer to Item 36-00-01 AIR BLEED MAINTENANCE Message.