Inop

Question 1

What is the first step when you find an inoperative instrument or equipment before flight?

Answer 1

Record the discrepancy in the aircraft log/discrepancy list (“squawk”) so there is a traceable note.

Question 2

Who is responsible for determining the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight?

Answer 2

The PIC is responsible (14 CFR 91.7).

Question 3

Who is responsible for maintenance and correcting discrepancies between inspections?

Answer 3

The owner/operator (14 CFR 91.405).

Question 4

What is an MEL and when do you use it?

Answer 4

A Minimum Equipment List approved for that aircraft. If you have an MEL + LOA, follow it (including M and O procedures).

Question 5

If you do not have an MEL, which rule governs flying with inoperative instruments/equipment?

Answer 5

14 CFR 91.213(d) (the “no-MEL” path).

Question 6

What four checks determine if an inoperative item is required for your planned operation?

Answer 6

TKPA: (T) Type design VFR-day equipment, (K) KOEL/equipment list for the kind of operation, (P) Part 91 rules (91.205/207/209/215/225 etc.), (A) applicable ADs.

Question 7

If any of the four required checks say the item is required, can you defer it under 91.213(d)?

Answer 7

No. Fix it, change the operation, get an authorization (if permitted), or obtain a ferry permit.

Question 8

If the item is not required, what must you do before flight under 91.213(d)?

Answer 8

Remove or deactivate it, placard it “INOPERATIVE,” ensure it is not a hazard, and make proper maintenance record entry.

Question 9

What does “deactivate” typically involve and who must do it?

Answer 9

Safely disable the item (e.g., pull/collar the CB, disconnect). If tools/special procedures are needed, a certificated mechanic must do and log it.

Question 10

What does placarding require?

Answer 10

Place an “INOPERATIVE” placard at the control/indicator for the item until repaired or removed.

Question 11

What maintenance record entry is required when removing or deactivating equipment?

Answer 11

A 14 CFR 43.9 entry describing the work; update equipment list/W&B if removed; approval for return to service per 43.7.

Question 12

When may a pilot approve a return to service?

Answer 12

Only if the pilot personally performed authorized preventive maintenance under 43.3(g) and made a proper 43.9 entry.

Question 13

What determination must be made about the inoperative item after placarding?

Answer 13

That it is not a hazard to the intended flight (by PIC or qualified maintenance person).

Question 14

What must happen to deferred inoperative items at the next inspection?

Answer 14

Per 91.405(c), repair, replace, remove, or inspect as permitted; ensure placard remains until corrected.

Question 15

What are your options if the item is required for your operation?

Answer 15

Fix it; change to an operation where it is not required (e.g., day VFR); obtain an ATC deviation where allowed; or request a Special Flight (Ferry) Permit.

Question 16

What is a Special Flight (Ferry) Permit and where is it found?

Answer 16

Authorization to fly an otherwise unairworthy aircraft to a place of repair under limitations; 14 CFR 21.197.

Question 17

Under 91.215, when can you request a transponder deviation if the transponder is inoperative?

Answer 17

Any time to fly to the airport of ultimate destination (including intermediate stops) or to a place where repairs can be made.

Question 18

Under 91.215, when must you request a transponder deviation if the aircraft is not equipped with a transponder?

Answer 18

At least 1 hour before the proposed operation.

Question 19

Under 91.225, when can you request an ADS-B Out deviation for inoperative ADS-B?

Answer 19

Any time to destination or place of repair (91.225(g)(1)).

Question 20

Under 91.225, when must you request an ADS-B Out deviation if not equipped?

Answer 20

At least 1 hour before the proposed operation (91.225(g)(2)).

Question 21

What is ADAPT and when is it used?

Answer 21

The FAA’s ADS-B Deviation Authorization Preflight Tool used by many facilities to process ADS-B deviation requests (expect >=1 hr lead time).

Question 22

What IFR inspection requirements can ground you even if everything “works”?

Answer 22

91.411 (24-month altimeter/static/encoder) and 91.413 (24-month transponder) tests/checks.

Question 23

Can you fly IFR in controlled airspace with expired 91.411/413 checks?

Answer 23

No. Get them current or operate in a way that does not require them.

Question 24

What is required for ELT removal for repair/inspection to fly legally?

Answer 24

Log entry with removal details (date, make/model/serial, reason) and a cockpit placard “ELT not installed.”

Question 25

How long may you operate after ELT removal?

Answer 25

Up to 90 days from the date of initial removal (91.207).

Question 26

Day VFR example: Is a landing light required for a private (not for hire) flight?

Answer 26

No under 91.205(b) (landing light is only required for hire at night). Verify the KOEL; if not required, you may defer with placard/log.

Question 27

Night/for-hire example: Is a landing light required?

Answer 27

For hire at night: yes (91.205(c)). For private night VFR: not required by 91.205, but position/anti-collision lights are.

Question 28

Mode C veil/Class B/C example: Transponder inop—what do you do?

Answer 28

Request a 91.215 deviation (may be made any time) to destination or repair and comply with ATC instructions.

Question 29

ADS-B airspace example: ADS-B Out inop—what do you do?

Answer 29

Request a 91.225(g)(1) deviation (may be made any time); many facilities handle via ADAPT.

Question 30

No-MEL deferral memory aid (framework)

Answer 30

"TKPA": Type design VFR-day, KOEL/equipment list, Part 91 rules, ADs. If all are NO, then placard/deactivate + log + safe to fly.

Question 31

What does 91.213(d) explicitly require about placards?

Answer 31

Inoperative instruments/equipment must be placarded "INOPERATIVE."

Question 32

Can you defer an item under 91.213(d) if an AD requires it to be operative?

Answer 32

No. You must comply with the AD unless it provides relief itself.

Question 33

When changing the operation to make the deferral legal, what should you verify?

Answer 33

That the new operation (e.g., day VFR outside ADS-B/transponder airspace) fully meets equipment rules and is safe for conditions.

Question 34

What is a common mistake when "deactivating" an item?

Answer 34

Simply switching it OFF without proper deactivation and log entry; correct deactivation may require a mechanic.

Question 35

Checkride talk-through: How would you explain a legal deferral to the examiner?

Answer 35

Explain: record the squawk -> run TKPA required checks -> if NOT required, placard/deactivate + log + hazard check -> if required, fix/change/auth/ferry.