What are two acceptable methods for operating an aircraft with certain inoperative equipment as per 14 CFR 91.213?

What are two acceptable methods for operating an aircraft with certain inoperative equipment as per 14 CFR 91.213?

• A. Operation with a minimum equipment list (MEL) under 91.213(a) or operation without MEL under 91.213(d)
• B. Always repair all equipment before flight
• C. Operate only with full replacement parts
• D. Do not fly until the aircraft is retired

Answer: (A)

Under 14 CFR 91.213 you can fly with certain inoperative equipment in two approved ways. The first is to use an approved Minimum Equipment List for the aircraft and operator. The MEL tells you exactly which items may be inoperative, the conditions for dispatch, and the maintenance actions required before flight. The second path is when there is no MEL for the airplane: you may operate with inoperative equipment under 91.213(d) as long as that item is not required for the specific flight by regulation or by the aircraft’s certificating basis, and you determine that flying with that item inoperative does not compromise safety. In either case, you must ensure the equipment is not essential to the planned operation and follow all related procedures and placarding. The other options imply universal repair, replacement, or avoidance of flight altogether, which aren’t the general allowances provided by the regulation.

Under 14 CFR 91.213 you can fly with certain inoperative equipment in two approved ways. The first is to use an approved Minimum Equipment List for the aircraft and operator. The MEL tells you exactly which items may be inoperative, the conditions for dispatch, and the maintenance actions required before flight. The second path is when there is no MEL for the airplane: you may operate with inoperative equipment under 91.213(d) as long as that item is not required for the specific flight by regulation or by the aircraft’s certificating basis, and you determine that flying with that item inoperative does not compromise safety. In either case, you must ensure the equipment is not essential to the planned operation and follow all related procedures and placarding. The other options imply universal repair, replacement, or avoidance of flight altogether, which aren’t the general allowances provided by the regulation.