Page 15 - Volume 12 Number 1

Once all written documentation is complete, all “O” and “M” are complied with (if applicable), and the PIC has made a final safety of flight determination, a placard is placed on or near the inoperative item’s switch or other prominent location where the pilot may see that an item is being deferred. The placard can be something as simple as a sticker with a legible “INOP” written on it.
To summarize, a complete MEL will contain the following items (hopefully in a nice binder):
Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA allowing you to operate with an MEL
Definitions (Policy Letter 25)
Preamble (Policy Letter 36)
Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) Operator and Maintenance Procedures
Discrepancy Log Sheets
Placards
(Note: The Policy Letters and MMEL are free to download from faa.gov.)
Back to the Original Question ...
Returning to whether you can fly with your inoperative strobe light. An MEL Decision Making
Tree is always helpful in guiding you through the process (see figure 7). Luckily for you, you do
fly with an MEL! You consult your MMEL and
see that the inoperative strobe light is allowed
to be deferred, and it’s actually a simple one involving no “O” or “M” procedures. With a little magic of your pen, you’re able to “write up” the strobe light and decide that the lack of a strobe will present no safety of flight issues. With a placard in place next to the strobe light switch, you let your passengers know that you’ll be well on your way in no time!
In conclusion, remember that unless every installed item is working on your King Air, your aircraft is not considered airworthy. To get the ball rolling on operating with an MEL, you’ll need to contact your local FSDO and let them know your intent. The FAA inspector will then be able to let you know the next step in your request. It’s certainly my hope that this article takes out some of the mystery of MELs and gives you a head start on utilizing one. Having an MEL simplifies your operation in the long run and you’ll find that the MEL allows you the flexibility to fly with inoperative equipment while staying safe and legal. KA
Clint Coatney is an ATP-rated pilot typed in both jet and turboprop aircraft. His diverse aviation background includes Check Airman duties at a regional airline and thousands of hours as an instructor specializing in
JANUARY 2018
Figure 6: Some inoperative items involve both “O” and
“M” procedures, and the MMEL states that appropriate procedures for the “O” and “M” items are to be published as part of the operator’s MEL.
Trusted experts on King Air engine accessories & de-ice systems since 1965
Call with code
BSA
10% off basic OH
1-800-835-2961
Offer valid until 5/31/18
Parts & Accessories Wichita, KS 67211 AN
COMPANY
Figure 7: MEL Decision Making Tree
turbine aircraft operations. Clint is an instructor pilot at King Air Academy and can be reached at clintcoatney@gmail.com.
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 13