FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What does a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) determine?

1. Which equipment can be inoperative for flight

2. The total weight limitation for flight

3. The maximum speed limits during takeoff

4. Operational procedures in emergencies

The correct answer is: Which equipment can be inoperative for flight

A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a crucial document that specifies which instruments, equipment, and systems may be inoperative for a specific aircraft to be considered airworthy for flight. The MEL is tailored to ensure that the aircraft can be operated safely and legally even when certain non-essential systems or components are not functioning. This list is particularly significant because it helps dispatchers and flight crews make informed decisions regarding the aircraft's capability to complete a flight safely, taking into account the impact of the inoperative equipment on safety and compliance with regulatory standards. By adhering to the MEL, airlines can maintain operational flexibility while ensuring safety priorities are met. The other alternatives focus on aspects unrelated to the MEL's primary purpose. For instance, total weight limitations pertain to the aircraft's loading capacity, maximum speed limits during takeoff deal with performance parameters, and operational procedures in emergencies involve protocols for unexpected situations, none of which directly relate to the determining of inoperative equipment for flight readiness.