If an inoperative item cannot be found in the MEL, what must be done before dispatch?

• A. The item must be fixed before dispatch.
• B. The item can be ignored if below 50 flight hours.
• C. The item must be replaced with backup.
• D. The item can be deferred to maintenance after flight.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the MEL defines which inoperative items may be left unfixed and still allow a flight. If an item isn’t listed on the MEL, there’s no approved deferral for it. That means it must be restored to service before the aircraft can Dispatch. In other words, you’re required to fix the item (or replace it with a serviceable unit) to meet airworthiness requirements before flight.

The other options don’t fit because there’s no hour-based allowance, no general rule to ignore an unlisted item, and deferring to maintenance after flight would leave the aircraft in an inoperative state during flight, which is not permitted for dispatch.