"C J Campbell" wrote

Strictly speaking, an MEL is not 'published.' It is developed by a
charter operator (or anybody else who wants an MEL, for that matter, but
it is kind of silly for anyone else to want one) and submitted to the
FSDO for review. Once approved it is given back to the operator along
with a letter of authorization to be kept in the aircraft. The MEL
together with the LOA constitute an STC, but unlike other STCs the MEL
does not go with the airplane with a change of ownership. An MEL is
specific to a particular airplane being used by a particular operator.
Getting an MEL for an aircraft can be both time consuming and expensive.

The following is a post that I made some time back in rec.aviation.ifr
Note the references to a Master MEL being required to develop an MEL.
There are no MMELs published for small single engine aircraft.
I would certainly change my position if shown procedures for the issuance
of an MEL without first having a MMEL.

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Mis-use of terminology strikes again! None of you guys have
seen an MEL for a single engine Mooney. The list of equipment
contained in small aircraft AFMs is not an MEL, but just an
"Installed Equipment List". I would suggest reading the
following web page for information on MMELs (Master Minimum
Equipment Lists) published for types of aircraft and MELs
approved for specific (N number) aircraft. An MEL must be
developed by the operator and approved by the FAA.

http://www1.faa.gov/avr/afs/customer/mmel.pdf

There are some small twin engined aircraft that do have a
published MMEL and these can be found at the following site.

http://www.opspecs.com/AFSDATA/MMELs/Final/smallac/

And......from the following excellent web page:


http://www.aero.und.edu/inet/avit325...douts/MEL.html
__________________________________________________ _____
What is a Minimum Equipment List?

A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is a Supplemental Type
Certificate issued by the FAA which allows a specific
aircraft to continue operating in an airworthy condition,
although certain required instruments or items of the
equipment are inoperative.
A MEL is a document that lists the instruments and equipment
that may be inoperative without jeopardizing the safety of the
aircraft.
The MEL includes procedures for flight crews and/or maintenance
crews to follow when securing or deactivating inoperative
instruments or equipment.


What is a Master Minimum Equipment List?

A Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) is the standard list of
items and procedures for a standard aircraft make and model.
The MMEL must be expanded, defined and approved before being
used as a MEL.
The FAA makes the MMEL for the standard make and model of
aircraft but will not approve it until it has been completed.
The MMEL is only a guide to be used in developing a MEL.
Can a MMEL be used in the aircraft for inoperative instruments
or equipment?

No, MMEL cannot be used because:
- The MMEL does not have any crew operating procedures established.
- The MMEL does not have any maintenance procedures established.
- The MMEL does not have any regulations procedures established.
- The MMEL does not have the owner's/operator's name and the aircraft
N number on each page of he document.
- The FAA will not issue a letter of authorization (LOA) on the MMEL-
it has to be converted into a MEL.
What is considered required instruments and equipment on an aircraft?

· Required instruments and equipment include:
- all of the instruments and equipment the aircraft was certified
with.
- All of the optional equipment installed on the aircraft at the time
it was certified.
- Any additional instruments or equipment installed by the
owner/operator.
What is an airworthy aircraft?

The aircraft certification rules consider all installed instruments
and equipment on an aircraft, including optional equipment, as part
of the type design. Therefore, an aircraft may not be airworthy
unless all installed instruments and equipment are maintained in an
operable condition except is provided for by an approved MEL.
Which aircraft are eligible to use a MEL?

All Multi-engine aircraft are eligible to use an approved MEL if a
letter of authorization (LOA) has been issued by the FAA (for
specifics reference FAR 91.213).
What benefits can an owner/operator achieve from a MEL?

A MEL allows the owner/operator to legally continue operating an
aircraft with some of its installed instruments or equipment
inoperative, without fear of FAA violations or rejected payment from
an insurance claim.
Increased flexibility and utilization for the owner/operator.
What is involved in making a MEL?

The following steps must be completed prior to the FAA issuing
approval for a MEL:
- Obtain a MMEL from the local FSDO office of the FAA.
- Develop the crew operating and maintenance procedures required by
the MMEL.
- Develop procedures to comply with the "as required by FARs"
sections in the MMEL.
- Develop a training program to instruct the users of the MEL about
its proper use.
- Present proposed MEL to FAA for review.
- Make changes, additions, deletions or corrections as required by
the FAA Inspector.
How does an owner/operator obtain a MEL?

Obtained by FAA approval of the MEL and LOA. The MEL plus LOA
constitute a STC (Supplemental Type Certificate). Therefore, this
document (MEL+ LOA) must be carried on board the aircraft. An
important pre-flight item.
Is the MEL/LOA Transferable?

No. If the aircraft is sold, the MEL/LOA must be returned to the FAA.
Remember: The MEL lists only those items that may be inoperable. If
an item is not listed in the MEL, it must be operable in order for
the aircraft to be airworthy.