Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
AMT 2107
AIRCRAFT MANUALS, CATALOGS AND
DOCUMENTATIONS
FINALS MODULE 3
Maintenance
Discrepancies/Inoperative Equipment
Prepared by:
VINCE B. LIGAN
Instructor
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
COURSE LEARNIG TOPIC LEARNING MODULE LEARNING
OUTCOME OUTCOME OUTCOME
1.To identify different types of
manuals, technical publications
and documents used in aviation.
2.Organize aircraft maintenance MLO 1- Explain inoperative
records, follow airworthiness equipment flowchart and
and service bulletin. TLO 1 Understand the Flow checklist
Chart of Inoperative Equipment
3.Demonstrate ability to read, and Inoperative Checklist.
comprehend, and apply MLO 2- . Discuss the difference
information contained in CAA of Inoperative flow chart and
and manufacturers aircraft
Inoperative Equipment
maintenance specifications, data
sheets, manuals, publications, Checklist.
and related Civil Aviation
Regulations (CAR)
Airworthiness Directives, and
Model Advisory Material.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
MAINTENANCE DISCREPANCIES/ INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT 4
INTRODUCTION FOR MMEL 5
TIPS FOR REPORTING DISCREPANCIES 5
INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT 7
INOPERATIVE FLOW CHART 9
ACTIVITY/RESEARCH 12
REFERENCES 12
TIMEFRAME:
You should be able to complete this module including all the
self-assessments, research works, assignments, and other
performance tasks within 0.51 hours.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
MAINTENANCE DISCREPANCIES/ INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT
FAR PART 91
General aviation pilots will find information regarding operations of private aircraft in Part 91
of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Private pilots can carry dangerous goods
for personal use aboard their personal aircraft without being regulated, as long as they
are not transporting it in commerce.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
What is MMEL?
The MMEL is the Aircraft Evaluation Group’s method of relaying to us which items of
equipment are more critical than others by their inclusion or exclusion from the list
contained in the MMEL.
I'm not sure why we call it a Minimum Equipment List. The title makes me imagine a list of all
the equipment that must be installed in an aircraft.
No person may take off an aircraft with inoperative instruments or equipment
installed unless the following conditions are met
An approved Minimum Equipment List exists for that aircraft.
The aircraft has within it a letter of authorization, issued by the
responsible Flight Standards office, authorizing operation of the aircraft
under the Minimum Equipment List.
Tips for Reporting a Discrepancies
Report the Indications, Not the Problem
As pilots it is easy to diagnose the problem and tell a mechanic with certainty what is
wrong. Sometimes the problem is obvious but often the cause it not so clear.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
Poor: Autopilot does not work.
Good: Autopilot tested normal before takeoff using recommended procedure. While
intercepting localizer course at a 30 degree angle in heading mode with the nav armed,
the airplane turned at a 20 degree angle of bank away from the localizer course.
Poor: Flight Display flickers after takeoff.
Good: After takeoff climbing through 400 feet at 70 knots; airspeed, altitude and rate of
climb information replaced with red X’s. Upon reaching safe altitude referenced
abnormal checklist and reset circuit breaker per procedure.
Poor: Oil pressure gauge broken.
Good: Engine indications normal during start and run-up. Shortly after takeoff oil
pressure began slowly decreasing and annunciator illuminated. Flew normal pattern for
return to field during which all other indications including oil temperature remained
normal.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT
The FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel recently issued the De Joseph legal interpretation which makes
clear that aircraft operated under Part 91 cannot be operated indefinitely “with inoperative equipment
installed.” The inquiry centered on whether § 91.213 was a standalone paragraph or whether it must be
read in context. The interpretation states that it must be read in context, meaning that the owner or
operator must have the item repaired, replaced, removed, or inspected at the next required inspection.
It also means that operations with discrepancies under § 91.213 are only available for the
aircraft described in § 91.213 generally, light non-turbine aircraft in several listed classes.
INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT
If somethings not working during the preflight inspection, you may still be able to fly. It depends on
what broke and the flight conditions.
The overall reason we conduct a preflight inspection is to verify everything on the airplane is
both present and working. We check fluids, tire and strut inflation, look for damage and wiggle
things like ailerons and rudders to ensure they’re working as they should. Once we’re satisfied
the airplane is ready to fly, we mount up and launch. But what if we find a piece of equipment
that’s not working? Can we still fly?
It depends on the equipment that’s broken and the conditions of the planned flight. To help us
make the correct determination, one that is both legal and safe, there are some regulations to
follow and some paperwork to check. If the failed equipment isn’t required by regulation or the
airplane’s documentation, it’s likely we can fly but we may need one more piece of paper to
make it all legal.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT FLOWCHART
Flow Chart Steps 1 and 2:
The best place to start this review is at the FAR that specifies the use of the MEL,
which for our operations, is under part 91, specifically FAR 91.213 – which is
reproduced at the end of this training aid
Since we don't typically have a MMEL, part (d) applies, highlighted in yellow in 91.213.
• VFR-day type certification: The first exception that catches our eye is whether or not
the equipment is required for VFR day flight. For each airplane, one would search the
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). Following is an
example from the AFM for a Diamond DA20-C1. http://w5gw.com//images/mel.pdf Note
that a turn coordinator and other equipment is not required for day operations. Looking
at the regulation further, we see if it is inoperative, it must be removed or deactivated
and the control panel placarded.
Flow Chart Steps 3:
Note that 91.213 also discusses equipment specified by an AD. If there is an
Airworthiness Directive (AD) that specifies an specific piece of equipment, then that
must be in place and operable for the aircraft to be deemed airworthy. For example,
many of the older Cessna aircraft had rail locks added on the seat rails as an AD. These
are required pieces of equipment.
Flow Chart Step 4:
• FAR 91.205 This specifies the equipment that is necessary for Day and Night VFR. A
handy mnemonic is:
VFR Day: TOMATOE A FLAMES
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
• Tachometer (for each engine)
• Oil Pressure Gauge
• Magnetic Direction Indicator (magnetic compass)
• Airspeed Indicator
• Temperature Gauge for each liquid cooled engine
• Oil Temperature Gauge
• Emergency equipment (beyond power off gliding distance over water) pyrotechnic
signaling device, flotation device
• Anti-collision Lights
• Fuel Gauge for each tank
• Landing gear position indicator
• Alitmeter
• Manifold Pressure Gauge for each engine
• Emergency Locator Transmitter
• Safety Belts and Shoulder Harnesses
VFR Night: FLAPS
• Fuses
• Landing light, if operated for hire
• Anti-collision light (beacon and/or strobes)
• Position Lights – Nav Lights (Red on the left, Green on the Right, White facing aft)
• Source of electricity (battery, generator, alternator)
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
In reading FAR 91.205 further you will find some disclaimers, such as a manifold gauge
is only required if you have an altitude engine, i.e., an engine capable of producing
takeoff power to a certain altitude.
Lighting: If the airplane is certificated under Part 23 after March 11, 1996 then it
must have an anti-collision light for both day and night VFR. This means either a
red rotating beacon or a white strobe light. In the case of the Diamond the strobe
functions as the anti-collision light during the day. At night, the red, green and
white position lights (sometimes called navigation lights) must also be operating.
Finally, refer to the FAR 91.209 as to use of lighting. The one exception to use of
strobes or any any anti-collision lighting is covered in the very last entry
(highlighted in yellow).
FAR 91.207 Specifies use and operation of an emergency location transmitter.
This FAR has been replicated for your reference as well. Some training schools
use aircraft for local flights only and are not required to place one in the aircraft if
they are used for that operation and remain within 50 nm. See highlighted text.
Flow Chart Step 5:
This specifies that the equipment must either be removed or made inoperable and in all
cases, the aircraft must be placarded to ensure the operator is knowledgeable that
piece of equipment is inoperable.
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
Assessment: 15 to 20 mins
1. Research about FAR PART 91
2. Importance of Checking the Inoperative Equipment
Honesty Clause My signature below constitutes my pledge that all of the writing is my own work, with
the exception of those portions which are properly documented.
________________________ ______________________
Students Name and Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
QUIZ
IDENTIFICATION 2PTS EACH
1. The FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel recently issued the De Joseph legal interpretation which makes
clear that aircraft operated under Part 91 cannot be operated indefinitely with inoperative
equipment installed.
2. ______is the Aircraft Evaluation Group’s method of relaying to us which items of equipment are
more critical than others by their inclusion or exclusion from the list contained in the MMEL.
3. Engine indications normal during start and run-up. Shortly after takeoff oil pressure began slowly
decreasing and annunciator illuminated.
4. This specifies that the equipment must either be removed or made inoperable and in all cases, the
aircraft must be placarded to ensure the operator is knowledgeable that piece of equipment is
inoperable.
5. The best place to start this review is at the FAR that specifies the use of the MEL, which for our
operations, is under part 91, specifically FAR 91.213 – which is reproduced at the end of this training
aid
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
ESSAY RUBRIC
CRITERIA INADEQUATE ADEQUATE ABOVE AVERAGE EXEMPLARY SCORE
(Below Standard) (Meets Standard) (Exceeds Standard) (Far Exceeds
65%-74% 75%-84% 85%-92% Standard)
93%-100%
Organization Writing lacks logical Writing is coherent and Writing is coherent Writing shows high
organization. It logically organized. and logically degree of attention to
shows some Some points remain organized with logic and reasoning
coherence but ideas misplaced and stray transitions used of points. Unity
lack unity. Serious from the topic. between ideas and clearly leads the
errors. Transitions evident but paragraphs to create reader to the
not used throughout coherence. Overall conclusion and stirs
essay. unity of ideas is thought regardingthe
present. topic.
Level of Content Shows some thinking Content indicates Content indicates Content indicates
and reasoning but thinking and reasoning original thinking and synthesis of ideas, in-
most ideas are applied with original develops ideas with depth analysis and
underdeveloped and thought on a few ideas. sufficient and firm evidences original
unoriginal. evidence. thought and support
for the topic.
Development Main points lack Main points are present Main points well Main points well
detailed development. with limited detail and developed with developed with high
Ideas are vague with development. Some quality supporting quality and quantity
little evidence of critical thinking is details and quantity. support. Reveals high
critical thinking. present. Critical thinking is degree of critical
weaved into points. thinking.
Grammar & Spelling, punctuation, Most spelling, Essay has few Essay is free of
Mechanics and grammatical punctuation, and spelling, punctuation, distracting spelling,
errors create grammar are correct and grammatical punctuation, and
distraction, making allowing reader to errors allowing reader grammatical errors;
reading difficult; progress theessay. to follow ideas absent of fragments,
fragments, comma Some errors remain. clearly. Very few comma splices, and
splices, run-ons fragments or run-ons. run-ons.
evident. Errors are
frequent.
GRADE
(score/4)
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Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Piccio Garden, Villamor, Pasay City
Institute of Engineering and Technology
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Department
First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021
REFERENCES
https://www.rainierflightservice.com/blog/maintenance-discrepancies/
https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/commercial-
airline/article/10891702/documenting-minor-aircraft-maintenance-discrepancies
https://dommagazine.com/article/how-and-where-discrepancy-maintenance-entries-
after-annual-inspection
https://www.aviationsafetymagazine.com/features/inoperative-equipment/
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