> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.planeconnection.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to Manage MEL Deferrals
> Create and manage Minimum Equipment List deferrals per 14 CFR 91.213, including category tracking, rectification intervals, and expiration monitoring.
By following this guide, you will create MEL deferrals for inoperative instruments and
equipment, assign the correct MEL category (A--D), track rectification intervals, monitor
expiration dates, manage operational limitations, and close deferrals when the item is repaired.
**Who should read this:** Directors of maintenance, maintenance controllers, dispatchers, and
pilots in command responsible for determining whether an aircraft may be operated with
inoperative equipment under MEL provisions.
**Required permission:** `maintenance_ops` -- read to view, update to create and manage
deferrals. MEL certificate authority may be required for initial deferral creation depending
on your organization's MEL procedures.
**Regulatory basis:** 14 CFR 91.213 governs the operation of aircraft with inoperative
instruments and equipment. 14 CFR 135.179 establishes MEL requirements specific to Part 135
operations. Your operator-specific MEL, approved by the FAA as part of your OpSpecs, defines
which items may be deferred and under what conditions.
## MEL Category Reference
MEL items are classified into four categories that determine the maximum time allowed for
repair:
| Category | Rectification Interval | Description |
| -------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| A | As specified in the MEL | Time interval stated in the MEL entry itself |
| B | 3 consecutive calendar days | Excluding the day of discovery |
| C | 10 consecutive calendar days | Excluding the day of discovery |
| D | 120 consecutive calendar days | Excluding the day of discovery |
Calendar day intervals exclude the day the malfunction was recorded. "3 consecutive calendar days"
means the item must be repaired by the end of the third calendar day after the day of discovery.
Extensions beyond these intervals require specific FAA authorization and must be documented.
## The MEL Deferrals List
Navigate to **Maintenance > MEL Deferrals** to see all active and historical deferrals.
The list shows:
| Column | Description |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| MEL Reference | MEL item reference (e.g., "32-1-1") |
| Aircraft | Registration of the affected aircraft |
| Category | MEL category A, B, C, or D |
| Description | What equipment is inoperative |
| Deferred Date | When the deferral was created |
| Expires | Rectification deadline based on category |
| Status | Open, Extended, Closed |
| Extensions | Number of times the deferral has been extended |
Items nearing expiration show an amber badge; expired items show a red badge.
## Create a MEL Deferral
### Open the new deferral form
From the MEL Deferrals page, click **New Deferral**. You can also create a deferral directly
from a discrepancy detail page by clicking **Defer Under MEL**.
### Select the aircraft and MEL reference
* **Aircraft** -- Select the aircraft registration
* **MEL Reference** -- Enter the MEL item number from your approved MEL (e.g., "32-1-1")
* **CDL Reference** -- If deferring under the Configuration Deviation List, enter the CDL item
### Set the MEL category
Select Category **A**, **B**, **C**, or **D**. PlaneConnection automatically calculates the
rectification deadline based on the selected category and the deferral date:
* Category A: Uses the interval specified in the MEL entry
* Category B: Deferred date + 3 calendar days
* Category C: Deferred date + 10 calendar days
* Category D: Deferred date + 120 calendar days
For Category A items, manually enter the specific rectification due date, hours, or cycles
as defined in the MEL.
### Enter deferral details
* **Description** -- What is inoperative and the MEL provisions being applied
* **Deferred Date** -- Date the deferral takes effect (typically the date of discovery)
* **Certificate Number** -- Certificate number of the person authorizing the deferral
### Document operational limitations
* **Operational Limitations** -- List any operational restrictions that apply while the item
is deferred (e.g., "Day VFR only", "No flight into known icing")
* **Placards Required** -- List any placards that must be installed per the MEL procedures
(e.g., "INOP placard on affected instrument")
Always refer to your FAA-approved MEL for the specific operational procedures (O) and maintenance
procedures (M) required for each deferred item. The MEL entry defines what must be done before
each flight while the item is deferred.
### Configure rectification tracking
For deferrals tracked by flight hours or cycles in addition to calendar time:
* **Rectification Interval** -- Days, Flight Hours, or Cycles
* **Rectification Due Date** -- Calendar deadline
* **Rectification Due Hours** -- Flight hour limit
* **Rectification Due Cycles** -- Cycle limit
### Create the deferral
Click **Create**. The system records the deferral, links it to the discrepancy (if created
from one), and begins tracking the rectification deadline.
## Monitor Deferral Expiration
The MEL Deferrals list highlights items approaching their rectification deadline:
* Items within 24 hours of expiration show an **amber** badge
* Expired items show a **red** badge and an **Overdue** status
* The compliance dashboard includes a fleet-wide MEL deferral count
Operating an aircraft with an expired MEL deferral may constitute a violation of 14 CFR 91.213 and
14 CFR 135.179. Expired deferrals must be resolved before further flight or extended with proper
authorization.
## Extend a Deferral
If authorized by your MEL procedures and the FAA, deferrals can be extended:
1. Open the deferral detail page
2. Click **Extend**
3. Enter the new expiration date and the authorization reference
4. The extension count increments and the event is audit-logged
## Close a Deferral
### Open the deferral
Navigate to the deferral detail page.
### Record the repair
Click **Close Deferral** and document:
* **Resolution** -- What corrective action was taken
* **Work Order** -- Link to the work order that performed the repair
* **Closed By** -- Name and certificate number of the person who verified the repair
### Confirm closure
Click **Close**. The system marks the deferral as closed, updates the linked discrepancy
status to **Resolved**, and removes any operational limitations from the aircraft record.
***
Create and track the underlying defects that lead to MEL deferrals.
Monitor fleet-wide MEL deferral status at a glance.
Create work orders to resolve deferred items before expiration.
Track Airworthiness Directive compliance alongside MEL deferrals.