What does the abbreviation 'MEL' stand for in aviation maintenance?

In aviation maintenance, 'MEL' stands for Minimum Equipment List. The Minimum Equipment List is a critical document that outlines the essential instruments, equipment, and systems that must be operational for an aircraft to be considered airworthy. It allows for certain equipment to be inoperative under specified conditions, enabling the aircraft to continue operation while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

The MEL is derived from the aircraft’s Type Certificate and is tailored for specific aircraft types. It includes details on the minimum required equipment for dispatch and provides guidance on how to operate the aircraft safely even when certain systems or components are not functioning.

This concept allows for flexibility in aircraft operations while maintaining a high level of safety, as each MEL specifies the allowed types of operations with inoperative equipment and the conditions under which they can be conducted. Therefore, referring to it as the 'Minimum Equipment List' accurately captures its role in aviation maintenance.