What is included in the Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a crucial document that specifies the instruments, equipment, and systems that must be operational for a particular flight to be legally conducted. It also allows for the deferral of specific non-essential items under certain conditions, provided that safety is not compromised. Therefore, the MEL includes a precise inventory of essential items that can be deferred, meaning that the operation can still be performed even if certain non-critical components are inoperative, as long as the aircraft remains safe to fly.

The focus on deferring non-essential items is vital because it provides operational flexibility while ensuring that all critical safety equipment remains functional. This distinguishes the MEL as a key document for managing aircraft operations and compliance with regulatory standards.