CAP OPS 02 – Minimum Equipment List (MEL) provides guidance to General Aviation operators on the development, approval, and use of a Minimum Equipment List (MEL), enabling aircraft with inoperative equipment to be dispatched safely and in compliance with the Gibraltar Civil Aviation (CAR OPS) Regulations.
General Aviation operators intending to operate an aircraft with inoperative equipment are required to obtain GCAA approval of an aircraft-specific MEL. The MEL must be developed from the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) issued by the aircraft Type Certificate Holder and tailored to the aircraft’s approved configuration, installed equipment, operational approvals, and intended operations.
The MEL should include appropriate operational and maintenance procedures, defect control and placarding procedures, and rectification interval management. Operators are responsible for ensuring that defects are managed in accordance with the approved MEL and rectified within the applicable time limits. The Pilot-in-Command remains responsible for determining that the aircraft is safe for flight before each departure.
For newly registered aircraft, the GCAA may grant temporary approval for the use of the applicable MMEL for up to 30 days, allowing operators time to prepare and submit an aircraft-specific MEL for approval. Applications for temporary MMEL approval should be submitted using Form OPS 38 – Application for 30 Day Master Minimum Equipment List Approval. Operators requesting such an approval must ensure that the aircraft is operated in accordance with all applicable CAR OPS requirements whilst the MEL is being prepared and approved.
Where additional time is required to rectify an item beyond the approved MEL rectification interval, General Aviation operators may apply to the GCAA for a Rectification Interval Extension (RIE) by submitting Form OPS 20 – Application for Rectification Interval Extension (RIE) Approval. Each request is assessed individually and must receive GCAA approval before the aircraft is dispatched under the extended interval. RIE requests should be seen as an exceptional event that falls outside of the control of the operator, and such requests should be accompanied by a justification for the RIE.