FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What manual should be consulted when dealing with inoperative instruments during flight?

1. Aircraft Configuration Manual

2. Minimum Equipment List

3. Pilot's Operating Handbook

4. Flight Operations Manual

The correct answer is: Minimum Equipment List

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is the appropriate manual to consult when dealing with inoperative instruments during flight. The MEL provides a comprehensive list of equipment that can be inoperative while still allowing the aircraft to operate under specific conditions. It contains guidelines indicating which instruments or equipment may be inoperative and under what circumstances the flight may continue, including any required procedures for the crew and limitations that must be observed. The MEL also outlines any maintenance actions that must be taken when equipment becomes inoperative, ensuring safety compliance with regulatory requirements. This means that if an instrument fails during flight, referencing the MEL ensures that the crew can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the flight safely. In contrast, while the Aircraft Configuration Manual, Pilot's Operating Handbook, and Flight Operations Manual provide useful information related to aircraft operations, performance, and procedures, they do not specifically address the issue of inoperative equipment or provide the necessary authority for decision-making in such situations as the MEL does.