MEL (Minimum Equipment List)
A Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is an important document in the airline industry that tells maintenance teams and flight crews which aircraft equipment can be temporarily broken or missing while the plane is still safe to fly. Think of it like a safety checklist that helps decide if a plane can take off even if something isn't working perfectly. For example, if a coffee maker in the plane breaks, the MEL might say it's okay to fly without it. But if something more important like a navigation light stops working, the MEL might say the plane needs to be fixed first. Airlines and maintenance teams use the MEL daily to make quick, safe decisions about whether a plane can fly or needs repairs first.
Examples in Resumes
Managed daily flight operations using MEL and Minimum Equipment List procedures
Led team of mechanics in resolving MEL items within required timeframes
Trained new maintenance staff on proper use of Minimum Equipment List documentation
Typical job title: "Aviation Maintenance Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Aviation Maintenance Technicians
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple MEL items need to be addressed with limited resources?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss prioritization based on safety requirements, flight schedule impact, and available resources. They should mention coordination between maintenance, operations, and flight crews.
Q: What process would you implement to ensure MEL compliance across a large maintenance team?
Expected Answer: Should describe creating standardized procedures, training programs, regular audits, and communication systems to ensure all team members understand and follow MEL requirements correctly.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you determine if an item can be deferred under MEL?
Expected Answer: Should explain checking the MEL document, understanding categorization of equipment (A, B, C, D items), and following proper documentation procedures.
Q: Explain how you track MEL deadlines and ensure compliance?
Expected Answer: Should discuss using maintenance tracking systems, daily monitoring of due dates, and coordination with scheduling to ensure repairs are completed within required timeframes.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between MEL and MMEL?
Expected Answer: Should explain that MMEL is the master document created by manufacturers, while MEL is the airline-specific version approved for their particular operations.
Q: What are the different categories of MEL items?
Expected Answer: Should know that items are categorized A through D based on how quickly they must be fixed, from immediate repair (A) to longer allowable fix times (D).
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of MEL structure and use
- Knowledge of maintenance documentation
- Ability to locate information in MEL
- Understanding of basic aircraft systems
Mid (2-5 years)
- MEL item management and tracking
- Coordination with various departments
- Understanding of repair intervals
- Maintenance planning and scheduling
Senior (5+ years)
- MEL program oversight
- Training and procedure development
- Regulatory compliance management
- Team leadership and decision making
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic MEL categories and timeframes
- Lack of understanding about safety implications
- Poor knowledge of documentation requirements
- No experience with maintenance tracking systems
