What does MEL stand for in aviation?

In aviation, MEL stands for Minimum Equipment List. This is a critical document that outlines the minimum equipment and instruments that must be operational for an aircraft to be considered airworthy and to operate under specific conditions. The MEL is developed in accordance with regulations set by aviation authorities and is tailored to each aircraft type.

The MEL provides guidance to flight crews and maintenance personnel on which equipment can be inoperative and under what conditions the aircraft can still be safely operated. For example, if certain non-essential equipment fails, the MEL will specify if and how flights can proceed, often requiring operational procedures or restrictions to ensure safety.

The other options represent related but distinct concepts. The Mandatory Equipment List refers to items that must be installed and operational for an aircraft to be certified but is different from the MEL in that it does not allow for inoperative equipment. The Mechanical Equipment List is not a standard term recognized in aviation. The Main Equipment Limitations could pertain to various limitations regarding equipment and systems, but it does not capture the specific regulatory framework that defines the MEL.