Anybody Referencing the MEL in Flight
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: unknown
Posts: 189
Anybody Referencing the MEL in Flight
Some seem to like to call it a dispatch document only and of no use once airborne. I certainly think it can have some useful information. But little can be found about this.
But I did read this in an accident report today..."Although the MEL is intended to be used prior to the flight to dispatch an aircraft in operation, its associated procedures may be used as a guide or guidance on the conduct to be held by the Navigating Flight Personnel, should system or functionality failures be identified in flight, particularly in the absence of a specific procedure to be applied in flight. , as is the case with the GPWS."
But I did read this in an accident report today..."Although the MEL is intended to be used prior to the flight to dispatch an aircraft in operation, its associated procedures may be used as a guide or guidance on the conduct to be held by the Navigating Flight Personnel, should system or functionality failures be identified in flight, particularly in the absence of a specific procedure to be applied in flight. , as is the case with the GPWS."
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wanderlust
Posts: 2,829
MEL is not required for the conduct of that flight the ECAM or NNC should be capable of handling that. But there are some after landing complications such as no go and no maintenance at the nearest alternate where reference to MEL can help you decide on a better choice of alternate. So it is referred in flight.
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: 43N
Posts: 217
I agree with Vilas.
During flight the MEL is not controlling. However referencing it may help the pilots better understand their non-normal situation. During flight the ECAM is controlling however later referencing the non-normal procedure in the FM may give the pilots more understanding.
During flight the MEL is not controlling. However referencing it may help the pilots better understand their non-normal situation. During flight the ECAM is controlling however later referencing the non-normal procedure in the FM may give the pilots more understanding.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 569
Two reasons: as already said could be some interesting info. Second, on a 2 sector day you may find that your in flight problem is not subsequently dispatch able. That could influence diversion decision etc. Obviously all non normal checklists accomplished first. So, answer equals yes but not always.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Dublin
Posts: 624
Agreed , you may be able to dispatch according to the MEL but certain conditions may then prevail that could prevent you from returning e.g single pack operation max cruise altitudes may not be sufficient with prevailing weather, TCAS failure certain ATC units may want to re-route etc etc. As mentioned, a good knowledge of the wider implications of the MEL are required, particularly if engineering is required before the next leg, i.e no fuel indicators or other items requiring sign off before each sectors. Having said that the MEL is guidance before dispatch.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Derbyshire, England.
Posts: 4,076
I agree with most of the posts above. Know the nature of the problem. Pass the details to base engineering and flight ops, they may have some necessary input regarding the whereabouts of engineering and spares availability and will alert engineering at the next stop.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 2,596
Some seem to like to call it a dispatch document only and of no use once airborne. I certainly think it can have some useful information. But little can be found about this
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Sunnydale
Posts: 178
In flight the MEL would only be checked if I had time. It is the bottom of the priorities list.
But if I had time I would absolutely reference it. To be honest even if land at nearest suitable was mandated by the QRH there probably would be time to check it.
But if I had time I would absolutely reference it. To be honest even if land at nearest suitable was mandated by the QRH there probably would be time to check it.