Equipment buying & work planning
Aircraft MELs: Separate Flight Decisions from Ground Equipment
A minimum equipment list concerns operation with specified inoperative aircraft equipment under an approved framework. It is not a general maintenance checklist or authorization to ignore defects.
Keep aircraft dispatch decisions within the applicable framework
A minimum equipment list concerns operation with specified inoperative aircraft equipment under an applicable approved framework. It is not a general maintenance checklist or permission to ignore a defect. The aircraft, operation and relevant procedures determine the decision process. A list from another aircraft or a general article does not provide operating authority.
FAA AC 91-67A addresses minimum equipment requirements for relevant general aviation operations under the inoperative-equipment framework. Its scope should be read with the actual aircraft and operation. Keep decisions with the appropriate responsible personnel rather than asking a ground-equipment supplier to determine whether an aircraft can fly with a defect.
Maintain ground-equipment readiness as a separate responsibility
Access stands, stairs, towbars and other ground equipment need their own identity, inspection and service arrangements. An aircraft's equipment list does not establish whether a damaged stand is usable, and the availability of a serviced stand does not resolve an aircraft defect. Keep those records and decision owners distinct.
For a ground-equipment inquiry, provide the aircraft interface, intended maintenance task and required configuration. For a condition issue, identify the actual assembly and defect. Separating these questions helps route requests accurately and prevents procurement documentation from being treated as a substitute for aircraft maintenance or operational decisions.
| Question | Use | Do not substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft operation | Applicable aircraft and operator framework with qualified review. | A general blog checklist or another aircraft's list. |
| Maintenance action | Approved instructions and responsible personnel. | An equipment supplier's access recommendation. |
| Stand or towbar condition | Actual model inspection and service criteria. | The aircraft's MEL. |
| New access equipment | Measured interface and current proposal. | A dispatch or defect-deferral decision. |
Review checklist
- Aircraft and operation
- Applicable approved procedures
- Qualified maintenance review
Buyer questions
Does every private aircraft use the same MEL?
No. The applicable provisions and any approved MEL depend on the aircraft and operation; consult the responsible qualified personnel.
Where should a Part 91 review start?
Use the applicable FAA provisions and guidance, aircraft information and the operator's responsible qualified personnel.
Does an aircraft MEL govern inspection of access stands or towbars?
No. Ground equipment needs its own model-specific inspection and service process. Keep aircraft operating decisions and ground-equipment readiness separate and assign each to the responsible personnel. An aircraft equipment list does not establish whether a damaged stand or towbar may return to use.
Can this guide determine whether an aircraft may fly with a defect?
No. That decision belongs within the applicable aircraft and operating requirements and responsible qualified review. This guide distinguishes those decisions from ground-equipment purchasing and maintenance so general access advice is not mistaken for operational authorization.
References & further reading
Use the applicable requirements and the specific equipment instructions for your work. General references do not establish approval of a product or installation.
