14 CFR 91.213 — Inoperative Instruments and Equipment
Defines when an aircraft with inoperative instruments or equipment may still be operated, using either an MEL or the regulatory determination process.
Regulation Text
No person may take off an aircraft with inoperative instruments or equipment installed unless: an approved MEL exists and the equipment is listed as deferrable; or if no MEL exists, the equipment is not required by the type certificate, 91.205, ADs, or any other regulation for the specific operation, is removed or deactivated and placarded INOPERATIVE, and a determination is made that the aircraft is safe for flight.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
What if something on your aircraft breaks? If the aircraft has an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), check if the item can be deferred. If there is no MEL (most Part 91 aircraft), use the regulatory process: the item must not be required by the type certificate, 91.205, airworthiness directives, or any other regulation for your specific flight. If it is not required, deactivate it, placard it INOPERATIVE, and make a logbook entry. A certified mechanic may be required. This is heavily tested on instrument and commercial exams.
Tested On These Exams
Related Regulations
14 CFR 91.205 — Powered Civil Aircraft with Standard Category Airworthiness Certificates: Instrument and Equipment Requirements
Lists required instruments and equipment for VFR day, VFR night, and IFR flight. Memorized via ATOMATOFLAMES, FLAPS, and GRABCARD.
§91.40314 CFR 91.403 — General Maintenance Requirements
The owner or operator is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition, including compliance with ADs.
§91.20314 CFR 91.203 — Civil Aircraft: Certifications Required
Requires aircraft to have an airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, and operating limitations aboard.
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