737-700 M. E. L.

[lead zeppelin]

Does anyone know if the autopilot is on the B737-700 MEL?

[speech]

2 installed, 0 required except for ER OPS provided:
1) Approach minimums do not require their use,
2) Enroute operations do not require autopilot use, and
3) Number of flight segments and segment duration is acceptable to the flight crew.
Operators should make every effort to repair the autopilots early in the repair interval, as provided by this relief statement, in consideration of such factors as weather, traffic density, and the effects of other inoperative systems.

[Mr @ Spotty M]

I would think that no aircraft , would have the Auto Pilot in the MEL.
You do not need an Auto Pilot to fly an aircraft. You would need it seviceable for auto land, that goes without saying.
If you do need it, then the next thing will be a coffee maker as well.
I may be wrong?

[The Greaser]

Plus wont be able RVSM if both are broke.

[IFixPlanes]

@speech

additional Info:
If both auto pilots are inoperative, the repair interval is "B"
Category B. Items in this category shall be repaired within three (3) consecutive calendar days (72
hours), excluding the day the malfunction was recorded in the aircraft maintenance record/logbook

Ingo

[lead zeppelin]

Many thanks, Gentlemen - you have been most helpful!

:)

[Maxiumus]

Mr @ Spotty M
If it was not in the MEL, then you couldn't go without. If you can go without, it would have to be in the MEL.

[lead zeppelin]

I am not unable to not understand what you aren't not trying to not say.

[Flight Detent]

I don't think at this stage that I agree!

[H721]

If it was not in the MEL, then you couldn't go without. If you can go without, it would have to be in the MEL.

not necessarily true, if something not in MEL, it is at the pilot's discretion to take or not.

[RaTa]

I can't comment on 737s, however the local CAA may have an input into what goes into an MEL. For instance a 767 in OZ is required to have 2 out of 3 autopilots serviceable for dispatch.

[avoman]

The local regulatory authorirty will indeed have an influence on the contents of the Minimum Equipment List. This is a operators document that must be agreed and approved by their regulator. It may be more but not less restrictive than the Master Minimum Equipment List ie Boeing's.
Most are content to stick pretty close to the MMEL.

[TURIN]

H721not necessarily true, if something not in MEL, it is at the pilot's discretion to take or not.

How does that work then?

EG

Item A u/s.

Item A not in MEL.

Hands up the number of Licensed Engineers who would sign that off? And with what Reference? 05-01?

Who do you fly for H721? I'm not having a go, I just wondered if your country's regulations were different to mine that's all. :ok:

[avoman]

H721 may be thinking of non-airworthiness items which find their way into the defect list. If not rectified they can be transferred to the 'level 2' or 'B' deferred defects. These items are not mentioned in the MEL. For example, that little piece of carpet behind the captain's seat. Might be frayed, it is not in the MEL, but it will not stop you flying.

[Wizofoz]

H721,

I don't agree. If there is a defect and it is not listed in the MEL, the aircraft cannot be dispatched. If it IS in the MEL, it is still at the pilots discretion to NOT accept the aircraft.

[Maxiumus]

Wizofoz, quite correct I think. I would never dispatch at discretion on a non-MEL item.

[HOMER SIMPSONS LOVECHILD]

Spotty M, get real,everybody knows that a u/s bevmaker is a stopper!(Even it was in the MEL which it aint.)

:hmm:

[giovane]

If memory serves, the BAe ATP has two autopilots fitted and at least one HAD to be serviceable to allow any dispatch. Is this still the case ?

[lead zeppelin]

My original question concerns Canada, (Westjet, actually).

But, I do appreciate all the input - very informative.......thanks, all.

[H721]

Wizofoz, Maxiumus & TURIN

I don't have a MEL next to me now but how about,

scenario 1,
jumbo feighter the potable tank can't be filled, can't we load bottlesss of water instead? might be no hot coffee for a coffee-loving pilot.

scenario 2,
a passenger door slide cannot be disarm from the exterior handle (but ok from interior handle). full passenger loading expected. can't we tell the next station not to open from outside?

case 2 maybe more debatable but I should say in both cases the pilot has the right not to take it.

professionals are being paid premium for solving problems acceptable to most people. we have to navigate through the niche part of engineering & operations world.

I'm not saying we can dispatch something in the MEL saying 1 installed, 1 required. just something not listed in the MEL then our chance to think/ask go or not.

Who do you fly for H721? I'm not having a go, I just wondered if your country's regulations were different to mine that's all

TURIN, from your profile you are from uk. for your interest my section L a & c licence examinations are both conducted by uk surveyors.

[Flightmech]

Never worked on a transport aeroplane yet when the autopilot(s) is/are not listed in the MEL Chapter 22. Also lists individual items that affect dual-land ops like yaw damper/LSAS channels, autothrottle servos etc and items in ATA34 that affect automation ie FMS SPD/NAV/PROF modes etc. They're all there in the MEL

[spannersatcx]

I don't agree. If there is a defect and it is not listed in the MEL, the aircraft cannot be dispatched. If it IS in the MEL, it is still at the pilots discretion to NOT accept the aircraft

Wizofoz, quite correct I think. I would never dispatch at discretion on a non-MEL item.

What rubbish, and if you don't believe me have a look at the UK CAA safety website!

If you can't find it, here is an extract - The MEL does not include items such as wings, engines and landing gear that are always required, nor is reference made to equipment such as passenger convenience and entertainment items which when inoperative obviously do not affect airworthiness. It is important to note therefore that ANY ITEM WHICH IS RELATED TO THE AIRWORTHINESS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MEL IS ALWAYS REQUIRED TO BE OPERATIVE BEFORE A FLIGHT IS DISPATCHED. Likewise items required which are by Air Navigation Legislation. Additional Certification Requirements as appropriate, which are not listed, must be operative.

The important statement from the UK CAA there is ANY ITEM WHICH IS RELATED TO THE AIRWORTHINESS OF THE AIRCRAFT AND WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MEL IS ALWAYS REQUIRED TO BE OPERATIVE BEFORE A FLIGHT IS DISPATCHED quite sensible, conversly the staement also means that if it's not in the MEL and IT does NOT affect The Airworthiness of the Aircraft thwn it is not required to be in the MEL. Therefore it is quite acceptable to defer the frayed carpet....etc.

:)

[Steamhead]

It is always amazing to engineers how many items fail on final approach to the home field.
regards

[catchup]

@steamhead

It's just a matter how you flip the coin....;)

regards

[spannersatcx]

Steamhead - you're not wrong there, it's amazing how many write ups you get that are actually impossible to see from the flt deck!!!!!!!!:ooh:

[Just an Engineer]

If memory serves, the BAe ATP has two autopilots fitted and at least one HAD to be serviceable to allow any dispatch. Is this still the case ?


Believe it was...

However on the ATP, If remember correctly (Its been a few years... :O) there is complication in that the Stand by control System (required for breakout or control breakage) is partly run by the Autopilot servo's.

[TURIN]

H721

Scenario 1

Under normal circumstances I would sign that one off as a non-airworthiness item. (In my company MEL Ref 05-01)

Except if it is a -400 series with vacuum toilets, in which case you need the water for toilet flushing. MEL Section 38 should sort the men from the boys on that one.:yuk:

Scenario 2

The question that a certifying engineer (and a/c commander) has to ask is..WHY will the door not disarm from the outside? It maybe a symptom of a more serious problem!

I'll stick with the philosophy...If it aint in the MEL I do not sign it off.
If a Captain wants to take the a/c with an open entry in the book then that's his look out! (and more paperwork for me filling out CHIRP and MOR forms!!:uhoh: )

Good topic, well done all for keeping it professional without the sniping often seen on PPRUNE.:ok:

[Wizofoz]

Spanners,

Rather than rubbish, your clarification re-enforces my statement, with the slight caviet that we are disscusing airworthiness related defects (I thought that was a given, but obviously not.)

You've therefore quoted chapter and verse for H721 that his Senario 1 is not airworthiness related, there fore dispatch is permissable, but senario 2 clearly is, and therefore is either covered by the MEL, or dispatch is illeagal.

[spannersatcx]

Wizofoz, perhaps rubbish was too strong a word - sorry, as I'm sure most will agree (maybe not) there are always grey areas in the mel, and so much depends on how the person reads it and interprets it.

So much difference can be made by the odd word and if you miss that word in your haste to get the a/c out on time (commercial pressure) it can be the difference between a goer or a stopper.

H721's examples, the door, perfectly acceptable under the mel for the 744 - quote - Door maybe inop for normal passenger loading and disembarkation provided the door is fully serviceable for emergency evacuation. There are certain maintenance checks that need to be c/o to ensure this, so perfectly acceptable.

Water (on a freighter, he's talking I think about 747) toilet water is seperate to drinking water, as long as sufficient bottled water is loaded, then not a problem.

At the end of the day I and probably most others would not release an a/c outside (or even sometimes within) the mel if it affected the airworthiness of the said a/c, I've even had the situation where (a 3rd party operator) wanted to take the a/c and we weren't prepared to release it until fixed, you have to be strong in your convictions and justified not to bow to the unnecessary and illegal pressure placed on you. (and yes we still handle them). :cool:

[H721]

engineer as a respected (?) profession, we are expected to provide expert advices. of course we should safeguard our bottomline, ie airworthiness, however providing solution in borderline situation is what customer wants.

my job involve substantial third party work, from their prospective, having an aircraft aog at outstation is the least thing wanted. i put forward my advice, pilot also has his/her own considerations and has every right to accept or not , no harm feeling from my side.

all airlines make safety as the paramount goal, we are part of the chain to make this happened.

[TURIN]

H721 having an aircraft aog at outstation is the least thing wanted

I disagree H, the least thing wanted is a large pile of twisted metal and huge plume of smoke.

That's what the MEL is for. Better minds than ours have worked tirelessly and have years of experience and incidents to draw on to make it safe. No doubt they will continue to do so.

Mess with the MEL at your peril. I would rather lose a 3rd party contract than be sitting in front of the beak (Judge) with a manslaughter charge and the deaths of several hundred people hanginging over me.:(

OK:ok:

[H721]

we engineers are being paid for making professional judgement. after spending years in this industry we should have the instinct about whatz go / no go.

i never hinted to dispatch any failed item that is n installed / n required listed in the MEL. what i meant is if something not listed in the MEL then it comes to our judgement to decide go / no go. put forward options to pilot/airlines if we feel comfortably justisified.

i'm lucky the company i work for never force anybody to sign off thing no happy with him.:)

[TURIN]

we engineers are being paid for making professional judgement.

Not any more!

We are now paid to follow procedures and to ensure procedures are followed.

It's the JAA/EASA way.:confused:

If it's not in the MEL then you need a dispensation from your maintenance control/national authority. Let's face it they get paid more than us so get on the phone and wake 'em up to earn it.:ok:

[H721]

it is always we engineers who have the first hand knowledge of whatz going on in the scene. depends on how well we know the aircraft/systems then we put forward options. if things no acceptable to us, ring the maintrol guys.

how to distinguish newbie or experienced engineers is the way they handle trying situations, hence using their professional knowledge. if one has to use cell phone all the time, then we all know who he /she is.

In engineering, knowledge prevails. If we have confidence of what we are doing, stand on our feet.

Whatz most most important is safety , best accompanied by on time performance.

[Wizofoz]

H721,

What is most important is covering your A:mad: legally.

As has been explained to you and backed up but quotes of the regulations, any airworthiness related failure not covered by the MEL is no-dispatch.

If you do, you are breaking the rules and leaving yourself wide open should there be an incident.

[H721]

I would never let my ssa exposed.

I would neither never let an unairworthy aircraft go.

What is the last time you dispatch an aircraft with a deferred item like '1 fastener loose from body fairing xxx, speed tape applied. security checked ok'. Can you tell if this is airworthiness related? I don't see any MEL/AMM covered such but obviously this is acceptable.

If after years of practice an engineer can't judge airworthiness/non-airworthiness, I am saddened.

".....breaking the rules and leaving yourself wide open should there be an incident.'

It would only be 100% sure myself it is safe otherwise I won't exercise my authority.

From my previous postings I never have the slightest hint to voilate airthworthiness. That is the bottom line.

What I am telling is to use our professional knowledge during trying situations. If things go beyond the bottom line, don't sign.

[TURIN]

What is the last time you dispatch an aircraft with a deferred item like '1 fastener loose from body fairing xxx, speed tape applied.

I used to do it all the time. Not any more. If I do it now I WILL get my authorisation revoked.



If after years of practice an engineer can't judge airworthiness/non-airworthiness, I am saddened.

Now you're getting it.:ok:

Certainly, in the UK, many of the 'privelages' of a Licensed Engineer have been removed. It may not have reached your neck of the woods yet, but it will.
You do it by the book or not at all, and damn the financial consequences. I have had too many interviews with quality departments to risk my livelyhood further.
If quality say you can't sign for it that is it. Time to head back to the crew room for a brew while our "betters" exercise their judgement!:ok:

[H721]

I used to do it all the time. Not any more. If I do it now I WILL get my authorisation revoked.

your quality system then will be by far the superior of all in the globe.

another quick question, will you defer a scratched cabin trim panel?

It sounds all deferred items in your system beared MEL references/dispensations, if that is the case, the world should learn from such.

You do it by the book or not at all

I never do thing not by the book. It is only when I know whatz in the book (how the system works), then exercising professional judgement (for deferal) if deem appropriate .

[TURIN]

another quick question, will you defer a scratched cabin trim panel?

I think we have already covered this.

Non airworthiness items such as carpets, cabin trim panels etc are deferred under MEL 05-01.

This is about the only time we now get to use discretion.
Even then one is looking over one's shoulder just in case that dodgy bit of carpet turns out to be a major trip hazard and the airline gets sued by Mrs Smith from Purley. :*

Nice talking to you H.

Watch your A:mad: se! :ok:

[H721]

nice talking to you T. I really learn from you.

Non airworthiness items such as carpets, cabin trim panels etc are deferred under MEL 05-01.

MEL 05-01 will be the best tool of all engineers then. but at the end of the day who decides what is non airworthiness items, CAA/EASA, QA or WE ENGINEERS? Who controls/monitors the use of such?

If I have to be in your system I would call AOG for a 0.5' scratch on a cabin trim, bearing in mind it is of fire suppression property.

I'm lucky here our CAD and my company's QA people are trained professional engineers. engineer talking to engineer. maybe in some part of the world these people are trained as diplomat. diplomat talking to engineer.

thanks for caring my ssa.

[blackmail]

hello every one,

here some more food for thaught.
a long time ago i was scheduled to fly a fokker 28 out of my home base with a snag on the tailmounted speedbrakes : speedbrakes worked fine, only the autoretract cb was popped with no reset possible. this meant that in case of go-around the speedbrakes would not retract automatically. would then be similar to boeing aeroplanes where this autoretract feature is deemed unnecessary( the aa b757cali pilots might disagree if they still could, black humor, i agree. ...).
anyway, the fokker mel stated that in case of the speedbrakes autoretract system inop, in order to dispatch, the speedbrakes should be disabled alltogether in the retract position. so no sbrakes on this flight. anyone who has flown the f28 knows how valuable an asset the tail speedbrakes are in flight, no vibrations whatsoever, you can descent & decelerate at the same time etc.
& normally at 100ft above ground you extend them to reduce gently from vref+10 to vref at touchdown.
although not required in take off/reject scenarios ( the liftdumpers on the wings are required for that matter), i considered that in view of the short rwy 1476m/4842ft & being at the home base, the remedy of the mel(no speedbrakes), versus manual sb only, was worse than the original problem. i fully understood the fokker technical concern about going around with sb still out in case we forgot to retract them. i don't remember if weather/icing conditions were a factor, but it could have been.
so i refused to accept the aircraft in this condition, causing great commotion to maintenance & the head honchos(management) in their yvory tower upstairs. they even tried to contact another captain to replace me. luckyly the chiefpilot at that time was on my side & stopped the whole thing.(wonder if he would be able to do the same nowadays?). finally, after much hassle back & forth, it was agreed upon to make the necessary repairs & the flight departed with about 3 hours delay & went uneventful. even the passengers understood the tecdelay was for their & our safety.

i welcome any comments, many thanks.

[blackmail]

hello everyone,

here another one concerning mel applications.
mel applications is sometimes a hot topic between pilots & maintenance.
pilots rightfully see mel advise & applications as an aid in their decision making process, to go(be) or not to go(be),(shakespeare),that's the question, as where maintenance people see the mel as a licence to do nothing until the last day of the allowed repair period, 10days in case of cat c discrepancy(most squawks fall in this category) & even worse, if then no solution is found, missing or wrong spare parts etc. further extention on mel is sought by the relevant authorities, generally 3 more days. and one more, illegal trick this time, is to interchange the faulty part with another aircraft of the same type & start the mel period all over again.

all very frustrating practices for pilots to be subjected to & doubtful if done in the name of saving costs. eg, apu inop, happens of course mostly in the summer hot season. 10 days groundpower, airstart & airco ground units at 7 to 8 times a day + passenger & crew discomfort with cabin temps reaching +40°c & more if no ground airco is available, can easely outrun any anticipated costs savings, not to speak about the bad image the company is exhibiting & the inevitable delays this mess is causing.

but in this case the beancounters probably never heard about something called "preventive maintenance", making sure all apu's & other things are in pristine condition before the hot season starts, with critical spareparts readily available in case of trouble & a positive attitude to take action asap if needed. i stop, because i'm dreaming.