What is the purpose of an MEL?

The purpose of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is to allow flights with specific inoperative equipment under certain conditions. The MEL provides regulations and guidelines on which equipment can be inoperative while still ensuring the aircraft remains airworthy and safe for flight. It outlines items that must be operational for the aircraft to be legally flown and specifies procedures for when certain equipment is not functioning.

For instance, the MEL may list components like non-essential cabin lighting or autopilot systems that can be inoperative, provided the flight operation is still safe and compliant with regulations. This approach enables pilots to make informed decisions when faced with inoperative equipment, allowing for flexibility and operational efficiency while maintaining safety standards.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary role of the MEL. It is not a comprehensive list of all mandatory equipment, nor does it inherently approve the aircraft for airworthiness or dictate maintenance schedules. The emphasis of the MEL is strictly on allowing specific flights to operate safely despite the exceptions outlined.