Which document helps determine whether a flight may operate with an inoperative equipment item affecting limitations?

Which document helps determine whether a flight may operate with an inoperative equipment item affecting limitations?

• A. MEL only
• B. AFM only
• C. MEL or AFM.
• D. QRH

Answer: (C)

When deciding if you can operate with an inoperative item that affects flight limitations, the primary guide is the MEL—the Minimum Equipment List. It specifies which inoperative items can be deferred and the conditions under which dispatch is allowed. If the item isn’t listed in the MEL, then the airplane’s AFM—the Aircraft Flight Manual—governs what is permitted. The AFM contains the normal limitations and any operator-approved allowances for inoperative equipment not covered by the MEL. The QRH is used for in-flight abnormal procedures, not for determining whether a flight may depart with missing equipment. So, dispatch with an inoperative item can be addressed by the MEL (if the item is listed there) or by the AFM (if the MEL does not apply or specifies no such allowance). That’s why the correct answer is that the determination can come from MEL or AFM.

When deciding if you can operate with an inoperative item that affects flight limitations, the primary guide is the MEL—the Minimum Equipment List. It specifies which inoperative items can be deferred and the conditions under which dispatch is allowed. If the item isn’t listed in the MEL, then the airplane’s AFM—the Aircraft Flight Manual—governs what is permitted. The AFM contains the normal limitations and any operator-approved allowances for inoperative equipment not covered by the MEL. The QRH is used for in-flight abnormal procedures, not for determining whether a flight may depart with missing equipment.

So, dispatch with an inoperative item can be addressed by the MEL (if the item is listed there) or by the AFM (if the MEL does not apply or specifies no such allowance). That’s why the correct answer is that the determination can come from MEL or AFM.