MMEL Vs MEL Vs 91.205

Question 1

MEL- (minimum equipment list)

Answer 1

Consists of:

1. MMEL for type of aircraft
2. MMEL Preamble
3. Procedure document
4. LOA (letter of operation)
   - considered a STC (supplement type certificate)
   - list of SPECIFIC inoperative equipment for specific aircraft (make/model/registration #/serial #)
   - operation under an MEL must be requested and approved by FAA
   - any equipment not included on the MMEL which the operation would like added, must be requested and approved by FAA
   - presented to operator upon approval
   - MEL is what governs operations with INOPERATIVE equipment for an operator
   * if an operator is approved to operate under an MEL, they must use the MEL

Question 2

Operating with INOP instruments
- A person may not take off in an aircraft with INOP instruments and equipment unless:
(Operating under an MEL)

Answer 2

1. An MEL exists with a letter of authorization (in the A/C)
2. MEL must:
   - allow operation with INOP equipment
   - be prepared IAW limitations
   - INOP instruments and equipment cannot be required by airworthiness requirements requirements of TC
   - INOP instruments and equipment cannot be required by an AD unless AD says otherwise
   - INOP instruments and equipment cannot be required by part 91 (91.205, 91.201)
3. Aircraft records (maintenance records) must contain an entry describing INOP instruments and equipment
   - must be made available to the pilot
4. Aircraft must be operated as per conditions and limitations of MEL procedures (procedures document)

Question 3

MMEL (master minimum equipment list)

Answer 3

• Contains a list of equipment that may be inoperative for a type of aircraft (I.e. Make and model) and still allow for flight.
• Basis for development of an MEL
• Developed by manufacturers with assistance from FAA
• Made for a fleet of helicopters
• Does not apply to operation unless it’s approved for operation by local FAA FSDO (ex. There is an MMEL for the R22 but doesn’t apply to Quantum. We follow 91.213)
• Can obtain a copy from the FAA (FAA.gov, FSDO)

Question 4

Operating without an MEL

Answer 4

1. Operations must be conducted in a rotorcraft for which an MMEL has not been developed or
2. Conducted in a small rotorcraft for which an MMEL has been developed and
3. INOP instruments and equipment are not:
   - required by airworthiness operations under TC (VFR day)
   - required by aircraft equipment list or kinds of operation list (A/C POH)
   - required by 91.205
   - required by AD
4. INOP instruments and equipment are:
   - removed from aircraft, recorded in logbook, placarded appropriately, or
   - deactivated and placarded INOP
   - pilot determines the aircraft is safe for flight (to be conducted) with INOP instruments or equipment
5. INOP and equipment not covered:
   - if the effected instruments or equipment are not authorized by the provisions of 91.213 that the aircraft operates under, a special flight permit must be obtained

Question 5

TAMMY (91.213) operation

Answer 5

1. Type certificate is it required?
2. Airworthiness directive
3. Manufacturer (POH)
4. MATSFOOLMATS
5. You as PIC