The minimum equipment list (MEL) is used by the Captain to determine:

The minimum equipment list (MEL) is used by the Captain to determine:

• A. If the Aircraft Is Allowed to Fly With Missing or Inoperative Equipment
• B. Which Crew Should Be Assigned
• C. What Additional Equipment to Order
• D. How to Perform Maintenance

Answer: (A)

The minimum equipment list sets out which missing or inoperative items may still allow an aircraft to fly, and under what limits. The Captain uses the MEL to decide if the airplane is permitted to depart with a fault, applying the specific conditions, limitations, and any required procedures defined for that item. This keeps operations safe while recognizing that certain nonessential items can be deferred or substituted under controlled conditions. It isn’t about choosing crews, ordering extra equipment, or performing maintenance procedures, which is why those options don’t fit.

The minimum equipment list sets out which missing or inoperative items may still allow an aircraft to fly, and under what limits. The Captain uses the MEL to decide if the airplane is permitted to depart with a fault, applying the specific conditions, limitations, and any required procedures defined for that item. This keeps operations safe while recognizing that certain nonessential items can be deferred or substituted under controlled conditions. It isn’t about choosing crews, ordering extra equipment, or performing maintenance procedures, which is why those options don’t fit.