First of all, there are only two manuals for any airplane that approved by the state's authority.
- Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)
- Airplane Flight Manuel (AFM)
FAA publishes the MMEL on their FSIMS website.
Flight Standards Information System (FSIMS)
(FAA) Operators use the MMEL as a reference for creating their own Minimum Equipment List (MEL), which is provided to their flight crews, line maintenance personnel, and/or flight operations personnel.
An Operator’s MEL cannot be less restrictive than the MMEL.
Both the MMEL and the MEL are legal documents that are either approved by Airworthiness Authorities.
The Configuration Deviation List (CDL) is a reference document that enables the aircraft to be dispatched, even if some secondary airframes, or engine, parts are missing. These parts may be detected during maintenance checks, or pre-flight exterior inspections.
The CDL is included in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) an appendix, and is approved by Airworthiness Authorities.
The Dispatch Deviations Guide (DDG) is intended to assist airline operations and maintenance organizations in developing the procedures required to operate the airplane in the various nonstandard configurations allowed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) and the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Appendix Configuration Deviation List (CDL).
From Boeing's DDG:
"Background;
The FAA publishes an MMEL for each airplane model that is written in a brief format that does not include the detailed procedures necessary to properly prepare and operate the airplane. The AFM Appendix CDL does not include illustrations for positive identification of secondary airframe and engine parts that may be missing for dispatch. Historically, operators have found difficulty in developing procedures and identifying missing parts. They have often consulted Boeing for guidance in these areas and as a result, this document was prepared for reference."