Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a controlled document that defines when and how certain items of installed equipment may be inoperative for dispatch—while maintaining an acceptable level of safety and compliance. For operators, the practical value of an MEL is simple: it replaces guesswork with a consistent decision path for dispatch, maintenance action, and recordkeeping.
ACCG builds aircraft‑specific MELs that align with your configuration and procedures. We focus heavily on usability: clear “Number Installed / Number Required” entries, accurate deferral categories and time limits, and step‑by‑step (M) and (O) procedures written so crews can comply without slowing down your day. The result is an MEL program that supports real dispatch decisions and stands up to FAA review.
What we build into your MEL
- • Aircraft‑specific equipment lists and “Number Installed / Number Required” population
- • Deferral categories (A/B/C/D) with time limits and conditions
- • Clear (M) Maintenance and (O) Operations procedures tied to each item
- • Placarding, logbook/record entries, and deferral tracking expectations
- • Program controls: revisions, distribution, training notes, and audit readiness
Program integration that matters
- • Dispatch/flight release guidance (where applicable) and crew decision support
- • Alignment with your GOM/GMM responsibilities and control flow
- • Practical deferral controls so items don’t overrun time limits
- • Repeatable processes for adding aircraft or configuration changes
- • Clean, digital submission formatting for FAA review cycles
Common outcomes operators want from an MEL
The best MEL programs reduce cancellations without introducing risk. That means fewer last‑minute “is this legal?” calls, fewer repeated findings during surveillance, and fewer deferrals that get lost in the shuffle. We design the MEL flow so the deferral decision, required procedures, and record trail are obvious at the point of use.
Nonessential Equipment & Furnishings (NEF)
A Nonessential Equipment & Furnishings (NEF) program is the “pressure relief valve” for non‑safety items that don’t impact airworthiness, required equipment, or emergency capability—think convenience items, cosmetic components, and certain cabin furnishings. When built correctly, an NEF list prevents your MEL from being cluttered with items that don’t belong there, while still giving you a consistent method to track and control deferrals.
ACCG develops NEF lists and procedures that clearly define what qualifies as NEF for your operation, how deferrals are recorded, and how updates are controlled. The focus is straightforward: allow the operation to keep moving while ensuring nonessential items never interfere with safety equipment, emergency egress, or required configuration.
Optional eMEL Workflow with myFLIGHTDATA
If you want to reduce paper and improve deferral visibility, we can deploy an electronic workflow that supports consistent entries, faster communication, and better oversight. The goal is not “software for software’s sake”—it’s fewer missed steps, fewer overdue deferrals, and a clean record trail that’s easy to audit.
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Capture discrepancies consistently with structured entries and optional photos attached to the aircraft record.
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Auto‑surface deferral requirements such as category/time limits and required (M)/(O) actions to reduce missed steps.
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Notify responsible roles as time limits approach so items don’t quietly exceed allowed deferral periods.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an MEL and an NEF list?
An MEL addresses inoperative items that can affect dispatch and safety and therefore must be controlled with specific limitations, time limits, and (M)/(O) procedures. An NEF list is for truly nonessential items (often convenience or cosmetic) that do not affect required equipment or emergency capability, but still benefit from consistent tracking.
Can a Part 91 operator use an MEL?
Yes—many Part 91 operators use MEL programs by authorization/approval pathway appropriate to their operation. The correct path depends on the operation, aircraft, and oversight office. ACCG helps align the program and submission package to the expected review process.
Will this integrate with our manuals?
Yes. We design MEL/NEF program language to interface cleanly with your GOM and (if applicable) GMM responsibilities, training expectations, and your recordkeeping/deferral control process.
Can I use the FAA's MMEL?
No — an operator may not legally use the FAA’s Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) as their company MEL. Under 14 CFR 91.213(a), flight with inoperative instruments or equipment is only permitted when there is an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA); the MMEL alone does not satisfy that requirement because it is a generic template, not an operator-specific, FAA-approved operating document. An operator must develop their own MEL based on the MMEL, tailored to the installed configuration and operations, and submit it for FAA review and approval per FAA Order 8900.1 (Volume 4, Chapter 4) guidance — only the FAA-approved operator MEL + LOA constitute the legal authority to dispatch with inoperative equipment.