Documenting in-flight/postflight discrepancies.

Bottom line

Inspecting the aircraft following the completion of a flight may identify aircraft hazards before the next person flies the aircraft. With an approved MEL, if the position lights were discovered inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would make an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record provided for that purpose. After an entry is made, the item would either be repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL.