What does MEL stand for in aviation terminology?

MEL stands for Minimum Equipment List in aviation terminology, which is a critical document that outlines the equipment and instruments that must be operational for an aircraft to be safely flown. It is an essential aspect of aviation safety management, ensuring that all necessary equipment is in working order while allowing for certain items to be inoperative under specified conditions.

The Minimum Equipment List is developed by the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the aviation authority. It provides guidelines on how to proceed when non-essential systems are not functioning, thus allowing for operational flexibility without compromising safety. This helps airlines maintain effective flight operations while adhering to regulatory standards.

The other terms in the options, such as Maximum Efficiency List, Main Equipment List, and Mandatory Equipment List, do not represent established terms in aviation and do not convey the same significance or regulatory purpose as the Minimum Equipment List.