Operation with Inoperative Equipment

Overview

From time to time, components of every aircraft are likely to fail. Is this aircraft now unairworthy? Not necessarily. The FAA has prescribed a specific process whereby an aircraft can be operated with certain instruments or equipment not working. This process must be followed exactly in order to have a legal operation. If the aircraft cannot be considered airworthy due to the specific failure and a repair cannot be made at the current location, a Special Flight Permit may be required to get the aircraft to a location where a fix can be made.

It must be stated, however, that although this process may make an aircraft with inoperative equipment legal to fly, if the Pilot-In-Command (PIC) determines that such an operation incurs an unacceptably high level of risk, they have a duty to not operate that aircraft. Before commencing such an operation, the PIC should review all risk factors of the flight with either the 5-P or PAVE checklists.

Memory Aids

Inoperative Component Discovered During Preflight
Inoperative Component Discovered During Preflight
No
No
Is the component required by the KOEL?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(ii)
Is the component <b>required by the KOEL?</b><div>Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(ii)</div>
No
No
Is the component required by VFR-Day type certificate requirements?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(ii)
[Not supported by viewer]
No
[Not supported by viewer]
Yes
[Not supported by viewer]
Is the component required by VFR-Day type certificate requirements?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(ii)
[Not supported by viewer]
No
[Not supported by viewer]
Is the component required by an Airworthiness Directive?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(iv)
[Not supported by viewer]
No
[Not supported by viewer]
Is the component required by 91.205, 91.207, etc?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(iii)
[Not supported by viewer]
Can the aircraft be safely operated with this component inoperative?
Ref: 91.213(d)(2)(iii)
[Not supported by viewer]
Aircraft is unairworthy and maintenance is required.
<b>Aircraft is unairworthy</b> and maintenance is required.
Yes
[Not supported by viewer]
No
[Not supported by viewer]
Yes
[Not supported by viewer]
Yes
[Not supported by viewer]
Yes
Yes
The component must be removed or deactivated and placarded INOPERATIVE.
[Not supported by viewer]
Yes
Yes
Aircraft is airworthy and may be operated.
Aircraft is airworthy and may be operated.
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Inoperative Components Without Using an MEL
Inoperative Components Without Using an MEL

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