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VFR REGULATIONS 12 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK

Inoperative equipment

Not required is only the first half of the decision.

Checking your account…

Your learning goals

  • Apply choose the correct path.
  • Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
  • Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.

Choose the correct path

An aircraft with an approved MEL and its authorization must follow that MEL path and its conditions. A generic manufacturer MMEL is not your authorization. The no-MEL path in §91.213(d) applies only to eligible aircraft and operations; a typical small, nonturbine training airplane can qualify. Confirm eligibility first.

14 CFR §91.213 · 14 CFR §91.7

Is it required anywhere?

  • VFR-day type-certification requirements?
  • Required aircraft equipment list or KOEL for this operation?
  • §91.205 or another operating rule for this flight?
  • An airworthiness directive requiring it operational?

If yes—or you cannot determine the answer—do not dispatch using this no-MEL deferral path. Resolve it with qualified maintenance or an applicable authorization.

14 CFR §91.213 · 14 CFR §91.7

Make the deferral real

If not required: either remove it, placard the cockpit control, and record the maintenance under Part 43; or properly deactivate it and placard it INOPERATIVE. Deactivation involving maintenance must be performed and recorded under Part 43. A qualified, appropriately rated pilot or maintenance person must determine that it poses no hazard. The PIC still determines safe-flight condition. Merely sticking on a label does not satisfy every step.

14 CFR §91.213 · 14 CFR §91.7

EXPLORE / APPLY THE RULE

Follow the no-MEL decision path

  1. Confirm eligibility / MEL path
  2. Check every source of required equipment
  3. If required or unknown: STOP and resolve
  4. If not required: proper action + placard + records
  5. Qualified hazard assessment + PIC safe-flight determination

Use the written rule and worked scenario to reason through the example.

Any unresolved answer is a stop. This does not authorize pilot maintenance or substitute for aircraft records.

FLIGHT SCENARIO

What would change your plan?

A C172 landing light is inoperative before a day VFR flight. Can you go?

  1. NoticeWhat does this situation require?
  2. VerifyWhat evidence is still missing?
  3. DecideWhat keeps an option open?
Compare your reasoning

Maybe, not automatically. Confirm the aircraft and operation qualify for the no-MEL path, check all required-equipment sources, arrange proper deactivation/removal and records/placards, and assess hazards. Aircraft-specific requirements can change the result.

SUMMARY

Not required is only the first half of the decision.

Maybe, not automatically. Confirm the aircraft and operation qualify for the no-MEL path, check all required-equipment sources, arrange proper deactivation/removal and records/placards, and assess hazards. Aircraft-specific requirements can change the result.

Before moving on, explain the decision in your own words: what would you verify, and what would make you change the plan?

PRACTICE

Flashcards and knowledge check

Six flashcards, then five questions with explanations.

Enable JavaScript for flashcards and the knowledge check. The lesson and scenario remain available without it.

Sources & lesson notes

Sources & lesson notes

  1. 14 CFR §91.213Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  2. 14 CFR §91.7Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.

For U.S. private-pilot airplane study. Rules verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026, with linked FAA guidance. Scenarios isolate a rule; actual flight decisions require all applicable rules, aircraft limitations, and current information.