IR.II.C.K3FAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge
Required procedures, documentation, and limitations of flying with inoperative equipment.
Required procedures, documentation, and limitations of flying with inoperative equipment.
Bottom line
Under 14 CFR, all aircraft instruments and installed equipment must be operative prior to each departure. The MEL serves as a reference guide for dispatchers and pilots to determine whether takeoff with inoperative instruments or equipment is authorized. The MEL only applies while the aircraft sits on the ground awaiting departure or takeoff; once the aircraft leaves the ground, any mechanical failures should be addressed using the appropriate checklists and approved AFM, not the MEL.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| Ground only | MEL scope |
| MEL, LOA, preamble, procedures | Required docs |
FAA references
- PHAK ch. 9 (p. 9-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-25) — FAA-H-8083-3C
- PHAK ch. 9 (p. 9-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- IFH ch. 10 (p. 10-22) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- 14 CFR 91.213 (Inoperative instruments and equipment.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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