What is the scope of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL)?

• A. It lists required equipment for in-flight operation and is used during flight
• B. It lists equipment outside the aircraft that may be inoperative
• C. It lists aircraft systems permitted to be inoperative and is used on the ground prior to takeoff
• D. It lists fuel types and ARFF categories

Answer: (C)

The scope of the Minimum Equipment List is to specify which aircraft systems may be inoperative and still permit flight, under approved conditions. It’s an operator-specific adaptation of the master MMEL, guiding maintenance and flight crews on what can be deferred and what checks or limitations apply before departure. The MEL is used in planning and release on the ground before takeoff to confirm airworthiness when certain inoperative items are present. It does not cover equipment outside the aircraft, fuel types, or ARFF categories, and it isn’t a list of items required for in-flight operation.