What is the role of MEL procedures in dispatch and who approves deviations?

• A. MEL procedures specify permitted inoperative equipment; crew must follow listed actions; deviations require approval by CAMO/Operator's authorized person or MOE.
• B. MEL procedures are optional guidelines; no approvals needed.
• C. Deviations are approved by the flight crew alone.
• D. Deviations require approval by the CEO.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the Minimum Equipment List defines what can be inoperative and still allow a flight to be dispatched, with specific actions the crew must follow when an item is not functioning. It establishes the approved in-service conditions and the procedures that must be executed to maintain safe operation despite the absence of certain equipment. When a deviation from the MEL is needed—meaning you want to dispatch with an item not covered by the MEL or outside its limits—that deviation must be formally approved by the CAMO or the operator’s authorized person, or by the Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE). This ensures that any risk associated with flying with inoperative equipment has been reviewed, documented, and authorized within the operator’s airworthiness and regulatory framework.