Continuing on from the last col- umn regarding what an MEL is and why it's important, let's examine the details of the list and how it is developed and used. There is usually a separate Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for each large airplane type design. For example, the list for the 747 addresses all model variants and all installed standard and optional equipment/systems for the type. An FAA Flight Operations Evaluation Board (FOEB) controls the MMEL. It is predicated upon the following criteria: An acceptable level of safety is assured considering subsequent failure of the next critical component within a system, and, any interrelationships between allowed inoperative items do not compromise safety.
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