Flight Manuals and Other Documents

maintenance (removal always will), it must be accomplished confirming that daytime flight with inoperative position by certificated maintenance personnel and recorded in lights is acceptable in accordance with the provisions of the accordance with 14 CFR part 43. MEL, the pilot would leave the position lights switch OFF, open the circuit breaker (or whatever action is called for in For example, if the position lights (installed equipment) the procedures document), and placard the position light were discovered to be inoperative prior to a daytime flight, switch as INOPERATIVE. the pilot would follow the requirements of 14 CFR, part 91, section 91.213(d). There are exceptions to the use of the MEL for deferral. For example, should a component fail that is not listed in the MEL The deactivation may be a process as simple as the pilot as deferrable (the tachometer, flaps, or stall warning device, positioning a circuit breaker to the OFF position or as for example), then repairs are required to be performed prior complex as rendering instruments or equipment totally to departure. If maintenance or parts are not readily available inoperable. Complex maintenance tasks require a certificated at that location, a special flight permit can be obtained from and appropriately rated maintenance person to perform the the nearest FSDO. This permit allows the aircraft to be deactivation. In all cases, the item or equipment must be flown to another location for maintenance. This allows an placarded INOPERATIVE. aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements, but is capable of safe flight, to be operated All small rotorcraft, non-turbine powered airplanes, gliders, under the restrictive special terms and conditions attached or lighter-than-air aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 91 to the special flight permit. are eligible to use the maintenance deferral provisions of 14 CFR, part 91, section 91.213(d). However, once an operator Deferral of maintenance is not to be taken lightly, and due requests an MEL, and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) consideration should be given to the effect an inoperative is issued by the FAA, then the use of the MEL becomes component may have on the operation of an aircraft, mandatory for that aircraft. All maintenance deferrals must particularly if other items are inoperative. Further information be accomplished in accordance with the terms and conditions regarding MELs and operations with inoperative equipment of the MEL and the operator-generated procedures document. can be found in AC 91-67, Minimum Equipment Requirements for General Aviation Operations Under FAR Part 91. The use of an MEL for an aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 91 also allows for the deferral of inoperative Preventive Maintenance items or equipment. The primary guidance becomes the Preventive maintenance is regarded as simple or minor FAA-approved MEL issued to that specific operator and preservation operations and the replacement of small standard N-numbered aircraft. parts, not involving complex assembly operations. Allowed items of preventative maintenance are listed and limited to The FAA has developed master minimum equipment lists the items of 14 CFR part 43, appendix A(c). (MMELs) for aircraft in current use. Upon written request by an operator, the local FSDO may issue the appropriate make Maintenance Entries and model MMEL, along with an LOA, and the preamble. All pilots who perform preventive maintenance must make The operator then develops operations and maintenance an entry in the maintenance record of the aircraft. The entry (O&M) procedures from the MMEL. This MMEL with O&M must include the following information: procedures now becomes the operator’s MEL. The MEL, LOA, preamble, and procedures document developed by the 1. A description of the work, such as “changed oil (Shell operator must be on board the aircraft during each operation. Aero-50) at 2,345 hours” The FAA considers an approved MEL to be a supplemental 2. The date of completion of the work performed type certificate (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number 3. The pilot’s name, signature, certificate number, and and registration number. It, therefore, becomes the authority type of certificate held to operate that aircraft in a condition other than originally type certificated. Examples of Preventive Maintenance With an approved MEL, if the position lights were discovered The following examples of preventive maintenance are taken inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would make from 14 CFR, part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record Rebuilding, and Alternation, which should be consulted for a provided for that purpose. The item would then either be more in-depth look at the preventive maintenance a pilot can repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL. Upon perform on an aircraft. Remember, preventive maintenance 9-10