MEL RIE Procedure
This is an extract from a CAP 549 (2003) dealing with the construction of an MEL.
"5 Rectification Intervals
Inoperative items or components, deferred in accordance with the MEL, must be
rectified at or prior to the Rectification Intervals established by the following letter
designators given in the " Rectification Interval Category " column of the MEL.
Category A
No standard interval is specified, however, items in this category shall be rectified in
accordance with the conditions stated in the remarks column (5) of the MEL.
Where a time period is specified in calendar days or flight days, the period shall start
at 00:01 on the calendar day following the day of discovery.
Category B
Items in this category shall be rectified within three (3) consecutive calendar days,
excluding the day of discovery.
Category C
Items in this category shall be rectified within ten (10) consecutive calendar days,
excluding the day of discovery.
Category D
Items in this category shall be rectified within one hundred and twenty (120)
consecutive calendar days, excluding the day of discovery.
Rectification Interval Extensions (RIEs)
Subject to the approval of the CAA, the operator may use a procedure for the
extension of the applicable Rectification Intervals B, C and D, for the same duration
as specified in the MEL in accordance with CAP 549."
I feel sure it has been revised since then. But at the time I wrote a CAME for a regional airline and had the RIE procedure accepted for the airline. I may have a copy at home - I will check after work.
Hope this helps
MB
`
"