Source: http://fsims.faa.gov/wdocs/policy%20letters/pl-025.htm
Timestamp: 2018-10-23 07:10:22
Document Index: 130933743

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 382', 'art 382', 'art 382', 'arts 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', 'arts 91', 'art 91', 'art 91', 'art 121', 'art 91', 'art 121', 'art 91']

MMEL Policy Letter (PL) 25, Revision 21 GC
Manager, New Program Implementation and International Support Branch, AFS‑240
MMEL GLOBAL CHANGE (GC)
This GC is an approved addendum to all existing MMEL documents. Operators may seek use of the definitions contained in this policy letter by revising their Minimum Equipment List (MEL). In doing so, each definition must be copied as appropriate in the Operator’s MEL. Approval of a revised MEL is gained utilizing established procedures, through the Operator’s assigned Principal Operations Inspector (POI). GC expiration date 12/17/2016.
Policy Letter 25, Revision 20, dated December 17, 2012
Policy Letter 25, Revision 19, dated October 9, 2012
Policy Letter 25, Revision 18, dated July 27, 2012
Policy Letter 25, Revision 17, dated January 20, 2011
Policy Letter 25, Revision 16, dated April 2, 2010
Policy Letter 25, Revision 15, dated November 2, 2009
Policy Letter 25, Revision 14, dated August 26, 2008
Policy Letter 25, Revision 13, dated September 11, 2006
Policy Letter 25, Revision 12, dated June 5, 2006
Policy Letter 25, Revision 11, dated July 5, 2005
Policy Letter 25, Revision 9, dated August 15,1997
Policy Letter 25, Revision 8, dated January 31, 1995
To provide a list of definitions for use in MMELs and MELs.
Revision 21: Removed all reference to part 382 accessible lavatory. Definition numbers were not changed.
Revision 20: Adds a third note to the “Policy” paragraph, page 2; corrects discrepancies found in definition 32.H.
Revision 19: Updates definition of “Take-0ff”. Adds the phrase, “See PL-25 Policy Statement (page 2)” to the “Notes” of several definitions found in Appendix B of this PL.
Revision 18: Removes 14 CFR Part 382 items from NEF definition #21 and adds accessible lavatory items, definition #1, listing 14 CFR Part 382 general items, and specific 382.63 and 382.71 items. Places definitions in alphabetical order. Consolidates PL-70 into Appendix B of this PL. Also adds the following definitions: Air Transport Association (ATA) System Page (#3), operative (#22), and takeoff (#25). Adds Appendix B, MEL Definition Requirements. Aligns the definitions of this PL with the definitions found in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 4, Chapter 4, Section 1.
DISCUSSION (continued):
Note: ATA changed its name in 2011 to Airlines for America (A4A). ATA and A4A are interchangeable.
Revision 17: Adds a Note to definition 3, adds the Boeing model 747-8 to definition 23a and adds Appendix A. Definitions 22 and 24 are also modified for clarity.
Revision 16: Corrected revision bar requirement in definition #1e; deletes the Passenger Convenience definition #21; revises the Electronic Fault Alerting System for Airbus aircraft (definition #23c.); adds new MMEL definition #31 for HMV.
Revision 15: Revised definition 22.A. “Category A Repair Interval” by including a reference to “calendar days”, aligning the criteria for Day of Discovery with definition 27 “Day of Discovery”. A-380 aircraft added to definitions, 23c.
Revision 14: Revised definition #1a to include the listing of the repair interval categories (A, B, C and D) in column 1, revises definition #7 to align with recent ETOPS rulemaking, adds day of discovery to definition #22 Category A, adds MEL repair interval extensions information to definition #22, adds "787" to definition #23a, adds G-150 and G-200 to definition #23g, corrects NEF Definition #30 to align with FSIMS 8900.1.
Volume 4 (Aircraft Equipment and Operational Authorizations) Chapter 4 (MEL and CDL) Section 11 (NEF) paragraph 4-898.
Revision 13: Added clarification to definition 10. Icing Conditions for aircraft (structural) and engines (induction) icing.
Revision 12: Added definitions for “considered Inoperative”, “is not used” and “Nonessential equipment and furnishings (NEF)”. Added the term “14 CFR” to Definition 3 (As required by FAR).
Revision 11: Added the Boeing 717 and MD-10 aircraft to the definitions Paragraph 23‑b. as both aircraft are Electronic Instrument Systems (EIS) equipped aircraft. Definition 23-c (Airbus) has been revised to add A‑318 to the fleet listing and clarify requirements for MAINTENANCE status (Class II) messages. Definition 23-f (Embraer EMB-145) has been revises to add applicable models EMB-135/145 and ERJ‑170/190. Definition 23-g (Gulfstream) has also been revised to add applicable models G-IV, GV-SP, and GIV-X. This revision also changes MMEL Definition to Revision #11.
The following definitions will be used in MMELs. For MELs, certain MMEL definitions may be edited and/or not required. MEL definitions, including format issues, will be tailored, as appropriate, dependent upon the aircraft operator’s make/model of aircraft, type of installed instrument and equipment items, and specific operation. However, the intent of the definition must be the same and cannot be less restrictive than the MMEL. See FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 4, Chapter 4 for further information.
Note 1. For MEL development, Appendix A may be used to identify the applicable CFRs for MMEL items that use terms such as “As required by 14 CFR” or “Any in excess of those required by 14 CFR may be inoperative”. Appendix A is not a complete list of CFRs and is not to be included in the aircraft operator’s MEL.
Note 2. See Appendix B for MEL definition requirements. Appendix B is not required to be included in the aircraft operator’s MEL.
Note 3. A revision of PL-25 does not require a revision of the operator’s MEL.
2. Administrative Control Item (ACI). An ACI is listed by the aircraft operator in the MEL for tracking and informational purposes. As an example, ACI may be used to track ETOPS accomplishment of required APU cold-soak, or in-flight verification starts. An ACI may be added to an aircraft operator’s MEL by approval of the POI provided no relief is granted, or provided conditions and limitations are contained in an approved document (e.g., Structural Repair Manual (SRM) or Airworthiness Directive (AD)). If relief other than that granted by an approved document is sought for an ACI, a request must be submitted to the Administrator. If the request results in review and approval by the FOEB, the item becomes an MMEL item rather than an ACI.
3. ATA System Page. The ATA system page is divided into four (4) columns and contains: item and repair category; number installed; number required for dispatch; and remarks or exceptions. Standard ATA categories are used. Items are numbered sequentially.
A. Item. This column depicts the equipment, system, component, or function listed in the “Item” column.
B. Repair Category. See definition #24.
C. Number Installed. This column depicts the number (quantity) of instrument and equipment items normally installed in the aircraft. This number represents the aircraft configuration considered in developing this MMEL. Should the number be a variable (e.g., fleet configuration differences, cockpit lighting items, cabin lighting items, cargo restraint components) a number is not required and the “-” symbol is used.
D. Number Required for Dispatch. This column depicts the minimum number (quantity) of instrument and equipment items required for operation provided the conditions specified in the “Remarks or Exceptions” column are met. Where the MMEL shows a variable number required for dispatch, the MEL must reflect the actual number required for dispatch or an alternate means of configuration control approved by the Administrator.
E. Remarks or Exceptions. This column may include a statement(s) either prohibiting or permitting operation with a specific number of instrument and equipment items inoperative, provisos (conditions and limitations) for such operation, and appropriate notes.
F. Provisos. Provisos are indicated by a number or a lower case letter in “Remarks or Exceptions”. Provisos are conditions or limitations that must be complied with for operation with the listed instrument or equipment item inoperative.
G. Notes. Notes provide additional information for crewmember or maintenance consideration. Notes are used to identify applicable material, which is intended to assist with compliance, but do not relieve the aircraft operator of the responsibility for compliance with all applicable requirements. Additional notes may be amended, deleted, or added to the MEL by the aircraft operator, as appropriate. Notes are not a part of the provisos.
H. Vertical Bar (change bar). A vertical bar indicates a change, addition, or deletion in the adjacent text for the current revision of that page only. All change bars applicable to the previous revision of the MMEL are removed prior to the release of the next revision.
4. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). The FAA-approved AFM/RFM is the document approved by the responsible FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) during type certification. The approved flight manual for the specific aircraft is listed on the applicable Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). The approved flight manual is the source document for operational limitations and performance parameters for an aircraft. The term “approved flight manual” can apply to either an AFM or an RFM. The FAA requires an approved flight manual for aircraft type certification.
5. As Required by 14 CFR. When the MMEL states, “As Required by 14 CFR,” the listed instrument or equipment item is subject to certain provisions (restrictive or permissive) expressed in the 14 CFR operating rules. The number of items required by 14 CFR must be operative. When the listed item is not required by 14 CFR, it may be inoperative for the time specified by repair category. The term “14 CFR” has replaced “FAR” as the current reference to Federal Regulations pertaining to aviation. However, many, if not most, MMELs still contain the acronym “FAR”; therefore, this acronym is acceptable and retained in PL-25 and this definition.
6. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). CFR, the current term, and FAR both refer to the applicable portions of the Federal Aviation Act and Code of Federal Regulations.
7. Considered Inoperative. The phrase, “Considered Inoperative”, as used in the provisos, means that an instrument and equipment item must be treated for dispatch, taxi and flight purposes as though it were inoperative. The item will not be used or operated until the original deferred item is repaired. Additional actions include: documenting the item on the dispatch release (if applicable), placarding, and complying with all remarks, exceptions, and related MMEL provisions, including any (M) and (O) procedures and observing the repair category.
8. Continuing Authorization – Single Extension. An aircraft operator who has the authorization to use an FAA‑approved MEL may also have the authority to use a continuing authorization to approve a single (one-time) extension to the repair interval for category B or C items in accordance with Operations Specification D095. Continuing
Authorization – Single Extension is not authorized for repair category A and D items.
9. Dash (-). Indicates a variable number (quantity) of the instrument and equipment items may be installed or required for dispatch. This is common when a fleet MEL is used since aircraft of the same make and model may have differing numbers of specific instrument and/or equipment items installed.
10. Day of Discovery. This is the calendar-day an equipment/instrument malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook. This day is excluded from the calendar-days or flight-days specified in the MMEL for the repair interval of an inoperative instrument and/or equipment item. This provision is applicable to all MMEL items; i.e., categories A, B, C, and D.
11. Deactivated and/or Secured. When the MMEL refers to an instrument and/or equipment item as deactivated and/or secured, the specified component must be put into an acceptable condition for safe flight. An acceptable method of deactivating and/or securing will be established by the aircraft operator.
12. Deleted. "Deleted" in the remarks column after a sequence item indicates that the item was previously listed but is now required to be operative if installed in the aircraft.
13. Extended Range Operations (ER). ER refers to extended range operations (ETOPS) of an airplane with operational approval to conduct ETOPS in accordance with the applicable regulations.
14. Excess Items. Excess items are those instrument and equipment items that have been installed that are redundant to the requirements of the 14 CFR.
15. Flight Day. A flight-day is a 24-hour period (from midnight to midnight) either universal coordinated time (UTC) or local time, as established by the aircraft operator, during which at least one flight is initiated for the affected aircraft.
16. Heavy Maintenance Visit (HMV). HMV is a scheduled C-check/D-check or airworthiness maintenance program inspection where the aircraft is scheduled to be out of service for 4 or more days.
17. Icing Conditions. An atmospheric environment that may cause ice to form on the aircraft (structural) or in the engine(s) (induction).
18. Inoperative. A system and/or component malfunction to the extent that it does not accomplish its intended purpose and/or is not consistently functioning normally within its approved operating limit(s) and/or tolerance(s).
19. Inoperative Components of an Inoperative System. Inoperative instrument and equipment items, which are components of a system that is inoperative, are usually considered components directly associated with and having no other function than to support that system (warning/caution systems associated with the inoperative system must be operative unless relief is specifically authorized per the MMEL).
20. Is Not Used. The phrase “Is Not Used” in the provisos, remarks or exceptions for an MMEL instrument or equipment item may specify that another item in the MMEL “is not used”. In such cases, crewmembers must not activate, actuate, or otherwise utilize that item under normal operations. It is not necessary for aircraft operators to accomplish the (M) procedure(s) associated with the item. However, operational requirements must be complied with, and an additional placard must be affixed, to the extent practical, adjacent to the control or indicator for the item that is not used. This informs crewmembers that an instrument or equipment item is not to be used under normal operations.
21. Nonessential Equipment and Furnishings (NEF). NEFs are those items installed on the aircraft as part of the original type certification (TC), STC, engineering order, or other form of alteration that have no effect on the safe operation of flight and would not be required by the applicable certification rules or operational rules. They are those items that, if inoperative, damaged, or missing, have no effect on the aircraft’s ability to be operated safely under all operational conditions. NEF items are not instrument and equipment items already identified in the MEL or CDL of the applicable aircraft. They do not include instrument and equipment items that are functionally required to meet the certification rule or for compliance with any operational rule.
22. Operative. An operative system and/or component will accomplish its intended purpose and is consistently functioning normally within its design operating limit(s) and tolerance(s). When an MMEL item specifies that an item of equipment must be operative, it does not mean that it’s operational status must be verified; it’s to be considered operative unless reported or known to be malfunctioning. When an MMEL item specifies that an item of equipment must be verified operative, it means that it must be checked and confirmed operative at the interval(s) specified for that MMEL item. When an MMEL item specifies that an item of equipment must be verified but no interval is specified, verification is required only at the time of deferral.
Other terminology sometimes used interchangeably with “operative” within the MMEL is “operates normally”, "fully operative", and "considered operative”. The aircraft operator's MEL may incorporate standardized terminology of the aircraft operator’s choice to specify that an item of equipment must be operative, provided the aircraft operator's MEL definitions indicate that the selected "operative" terminology means that the required item of equipment will accomplish its intended purpose and is consistently functioning normally within its design operating limit(s) and tolerance(s).
23. Placarding. Each inoperative instrument or equipment item must be placarded to inform and remind the crewmembers and maintenance personnel of the item condition. To the extent practical, placards should be located adjacent to the control or indicator for the item affected; however, unless otherwise specified (i.e. AFM), placard wording and location will be determined by the aircraft operator.
24. Repair Category. All users of an MEL approved under parts 91K, 121, 125, 129, 135, and 142 must effect repairs of inoperative instrument and equipment items, deferred in accordance with the MEL, at or prior to the repair times established by the following letter designators. Part 91 MEL users (D095/D195 LOAs) are not required to comply with the repair categories, but will comply with any provisos defining a repair interval (flights, flight legs, cycles, hours, etc):
A. Repair Category A. This category item must be repaired within the time interval specified in the “Remarks or Exceptions” column of the aircraft operator’s approved MEL. For time intervals specified in “calendar days” or “flight days”, the day the malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook is excluded. For all other time intervals (i.e., flights, flight legs, cycles, hors, etc.), repair tracking begins at the point when the malfunction is deferred in accordance with the operator’s approved MEL.
B. Repair Category B. This category item must be repaired within 3 consecutive calendar-days (72 hours) excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook. For example, if it were recorded at 10 a.m. on January 26th, the 3-day interval would begin at midnight the 26th and end at midnight the 29th.
C. Repair Category C. This category item must be repaired within 10 consecutive calendar-days (240 hours) excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook. For example, if it were recorded at 10 a.m. on January 26th, the 10-day interval would begin at midnight the 26th and end at midnight February 5th.
D. Repair Category D. This category item must be repaired within 120 consecutive calendar-days (2880 hours) excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook.
25. Takeoff. Takeoff is the act of beginning a flight in which an aircraft is accelerated from a state of rest to that of flight. For the purposes of MEL relief, this translates to the point at which the pilot physically begins to apply power to initiate the takeoff from the runway or takeoff surface.
27. Visible Moisture. An atmospheric environment containing water, in any form, that can be seen in natural or artificial light; for example, clouds, fog, rain, sleet, hail, or snow.
28. Visual Flight Rules (VFR). VFR is as defined in 14 CFR Part 91. This precludes a pilot from filing an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan.
29. Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). VMC means the atmospheric environment is such that would allow a flight to proceed under the visual flight rules applicable to the flight. This does not preclude operating under Instrument Flight Rules.
30. (M). This symbol indicates a requirement for a specific maintenance procedure which must be accomplished prior to operation with the listed item inoperative. Normally, these procedures are accomplished by maintenance personnel; however, other personnel may be qualified and authorized to perform certain functions. Procedures requiring specialized knowledge or skill, or requiring the use of tools or test equipment, should be accomplished by maintenance personnel. The satisfactory accomplishment of all maintenance procedures, regardless of who performs them, is the responsibility of the aircraft operator. Appropriate procedures are required to be produced as part of the aircraft operator’s manual or MEL.
31. (O). This symbol indicates a requirement for a specific operations procedure which must be accomplished in planning for and/or operating with the listed item inoperative. Normally, these procedures are accomplished by the flightcrew; however, other personnel may be qualified and authorized to perform certain functions. The satisfactory accomplishment of all procedures, regardless of who performs them, is the responsibility of the aircraft operator. Appropriate procedures are required to be produced as a part of the aircraft operator’s manual or MEL.
32. Electronic Fault Alerting System. New generation aircraft display system fault indications to the flight crew by use of computerized display systems. Aircraft manufacturers incorporate individual design philosophies when determining the data that is represented. The following are customized definitions (specific to each manufacturer) to help determine the level of messages affecting the aircraft's dispatch status.
Series 400 aircraft are equipped with a Caution/Warning Panel that annunciates all cautions and warnings. Advisory messages are displayed by the Electronic Indication System (EIS) or individual advisory lights supplied in the cockpit. "Class 1 failures" are failures that prevent continued operation of a specific Line Replacement Unit or channel and are annunciated via advisory messages: caution, warning or advisory lights in the flight compartment. Dispatching with such posted failures are to be in accordance with the MMEL. "Class 2 failures" are failures which do not prevent continued system function. These faults will not be annunciated to the flight crew and the absence of the higher level alert (warning, caution, advisory) indicates that the system/component is operating within its approved operating limits or tolerances. Such faults would be evident during maintenance interrogation performed during maintenance activities. Class 2 faults do not affect dispatch and will be listed in the Fault Isolation Manual (FIM). Class 2 faults will be left to the discretion of the aircraft operators when these faults are to be rectified.
The EMB-135/145 and ERJ-170/190 are equipped with an Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) that provides three different message levels: WARNING, CAUTION, and ADVISORY. The ERJ-170/190 Series add STATUS messages. Failures that effect dispatchability are presented to the flight crew at one of these levels. Other failures may be presented only to the maintenance personnel on the Multi Function Display (MFD) maintenance pages or through the download of the Central Maintenance Computer (CMC). System conditions that result only in a maintenance level message, i.e. no correlation with a higher level EICAS message, do not affect dispatch and do not require action other than as addressed within an aircraft operator's standard maintenance program.
PL-025 Appendix A
Applicable Sections in 14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 125, 129, 135
Regulations current as of June 19. 2012
THIS LISTING IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AN IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE. Any questions regarding the applicability of a particular regulation should be resolved by a review of the regulation involved.
ATA CH. #
14 CFR REFERENCES
Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) System
91.609, 91.1045, App E
Flight Deck Headsets/Headphones
121.318, 121.349, 121.359
125.203, 125.227
135.151, 135.165
121.345, 121.347, 121.349, 121.351
135.98, 135.165
121.99, 121.122, 121.345, 121.347, 121.349, 121.351
VHF and UHF Communications Systems
91.126, 91.127, 91.129, 91.130, 91.131, 91.135, 91.205, 91.511
135.161, 135.165
Crash Ax/Crow Bar
91.205, 91.207
121.353, 121.339
Emergency Medical Equipment (AED, EMK, FAK)
121.803, Appendix A
Extended Overwater Equipment (Emergency, Flotation, Survival)
91.205, 91.509
121.339, 121.340
Flashlight Stowage/Charger Assemblies (Including Flashlights)
135.107, 135.178
Aircraft operated under Part 91 are not required to have an observer seat
91.513, 91.525
121.343, 121.344, 121.344a, Appx M
125.225, 125.226
Passenger Notice System (Lighted Information Signs)
125.207, 125.217
135.127, 135.177
121.347, 121.351
91.219, App G
ATC Transponder/Automatic Altitude Reporting Systems
91.130, 91.131, 91.135, 91.215, App G (RVSM)
Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) System
121.347, 121.349, 121.351
054, 067
91.223, 91.1045
121.354, 121.358
121.347, 121.349
Long Range Navigation Systems (GPS, INS, Loran, Omega)
121.351, 121.355
Part 91 App A (Cat II Operations)
91.205, 91.507
135.149, 135.159
Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS)
91.221, 91.1045, App G (RVSM)
VOR Navigation Systems
91.131, 91.205, 91.511
121.357, 121.358
Oxygen System (Chemical or Gaseous)
121.329, 121.331, 121.333, 121.574
Portable Oxygen Dispensing Units (Or Equivalent) (Bottle and Mask)
121.329, 121.333
PL-025 Appendix B
MEL Definition Requirements
NOTE: This appendix is not required to be in an aircraft operator’s MEL
2. Administrative Control Item (ACI)
Definition is required only if MEL contains ACI.
See PL-25 Policy Statement (page 2)
3. Air Transport Association (ATA) System Page
3A. Item
3B. Repair Category
Required for part 121, 125, 129, 135 and 142; not required for part 91 & 137. See definition #24.
(1) Repair Category A
Required for part 121, 125, 129, 135 and 142; not required for part 91 & 137
(2) Repair Category B
(3) Repair Category C
(4) Repair Category D
3C. Number Installed
3D. Number Required for Dispatch
3E. Remarks or Exceptions
3F. Provisos
Must be carried over either verbatim from the MMEL into the MEL or by using equivalent terminology.
3G. Notes
3H. Vertical Bar (change bar)
Alternate means of compliance may be used if approved by the Administrator.
4. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or
Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM)
The appropriate document (AFM or RFM) must be indicated.
This term is not used in MELs. MELs must contain the appropriate regulatory requirement and procedures supporting it.
6. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
8. Continuing Authorization
Definition is required only if the (-) is used in the MEL.
For aircraft operated under ETOPS rules.
Definition is required only if used in the MEL.
Required only if used in the MEL. The definition should indicate the type of maintenance program the airplane is under.
The aircraft operator's MEL may incorporate standardized terminology of their choice, to specify that an item of equipment must be operative, provided their MEL definitions indicate that the selected "operative" terminology means that the required item of equipment will accomplish its intended purpose and is consistently functioning normally within its design operating limit(s) and tolerance(s).
24. Repair Category (see 3B above)
26. Triple Asterisk (***)
Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator
32. Electronic Fault Alerting System – General
When preparing the MEL document, aircraft operators are to select the proper Definition No. 32 for their aircraft, if appropriate.