What does the acronym MEL stand for in aviation?

The acronym MEL stands for Minimum Equipment List in aviation. This list is a crucial document that outlines the equipment and systems that must be operational for an aircraft to be considered airworthy and safe for operation. The MEL provides flexibility for airlines by allowing flights to proceed with certain equipment inoperative, as long as it does not pose an immediate threat to safety and the conditions of operation are noted.

Having a Minimum Equipment List ensures compliance with regulatory standards while allowing pilots and operators to assess which systems can be temporarily inoperative without affecting the safety and operational integrity of the flight. This contrasts with a Mandatory Equipment List, which dictates equipment that must always be operational for safe flight. Other options like Maximum Equipment Limit and Maintenance Equipment Log do not accurately represent the intent or utility of the MEL in the aviation context, further solidifying why Minimum Equipment List is the correct interpretation of the acronym MEL.