No, MEL is for allowances and does not include obvious items e.g. wings/wheels
Yes, contact fleet management/engineering for further advice.
Complete the appropriate EICAS checklist. While the DDG only applies up until the point of dispatch (DDG>Sec 2 Introduction>MMEL Definitions - is “the point when an a/c begins to move under its own power for the purpose of preparing to take-off’) it may be prudent to consider the effects of any defect on the subsequent flight and also asses if there is any further useful information.
Not necessary, but it may provide info that might be of assistance.
For 777 LHR and LGW or as promulgated by OMN.
Once a/c has dispatched from a Main Base on first flight of the day the base reverts to transit station status for the remainder of that day GMT.
Excludes day of discovery and commences at 0001GMT the following day
A – No interval specified but rectification must be completed in accordance with conditions stated in MMEL.
B - 3 days.
C – 10 days.
D – 120 days.
Repair Interval Extension. Can only be used once to extend the repair interval by the same duration for category B & C defects only. Refer to British Airways Repair Interval Extension Policy in MEL for guidance. It should only be requested when events beyond the operators control have precluded rectification.
Appropriate Engineering Manager, Engineering Quality Manager and Flight Technical Manager (or representative).
As a new ADD.
CDL (Configuration Deviation List). Basically covers missing parts e.g. static wicks/door handles/Flaps seals etc
Appropriate maintenance/operational procedures to be utilised.
MEL>ATA Contents>ATA 05 – 05-00-01 may be used to defer a condition of minor serviceability relating to non-airworthiness items if the item or condition is not covered elsewhere in the MEL. Rectification interval is D.
MEL 25-20-01 e.g. galley equip/stereo/reading lamps.
Is a procedure that allows Captain to carry forward a defect that has arisen where i) there are no maintenance personnel or spares readily available ii) the Captain determines that the defect complies with the MEL iii) that the defect requires no (M) maintenance action. It should only be actioned in consultation with Maintrol. Follow procedure in DDG>Intro>British Airways Policies>ACF
ACF may not be used to dispatch from Main Maintenance Base with a defect that has the restriction ‘no dispatch main maintenance base’. ACF may not be used for CDL (Section 3) items.
The following procedure is to be used:
Used where a defect has arisen and (M) maintenance action is required but there is no BA authorised engineer to rectify the defect. Follow procedure in DDG>Intro>British Airways Policies>SEA. Essentially liaise with Maintrol to identify a suitably qualified local engineer to carry out rectification (M) work.
For the approval of deviations from the manufacturers approved maintenance document. DDG>Intro>British Airways Policies>EDI/EDA
Note: if the aircraft is carrying a defect that is subject to an EDI (paperwork in tech log) be sure to check not only the front page but subsequent pages which may have further information on the validity/period of the EDI. Also cross refer to the blue pages (Controlled Inspections) of Tech Log as these too may contain further details.
ADD needs to be raised and possibly an ACF and SEA needs to be actioned.
P - performance (yellow)
N - non-performance (green)
I - controlled inspections (blue)
P&N may incorporate Transit/Daily inspection requirement
OC - Operationally significant
C - other
Only when MEL indicates a Performance penalty applies indicated by (O) or (P) or where defect directly affects Flight Crew.
What is the ‘essential’ difference between the MEL and QRH?
The MEL looks at a scenario where a subsequent plausible failure my occur while the QRH examines the fault in isolation.
What is the validity of a Daily Check?
AML user guide - Remains valid for 7 days provided the a/c does not fly or undergo maintenance.