Who approves the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL)?

The Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) is an essential document that outlines the minimum equipment that must be operational for an aircraft to be considered airworthy under specific conditions. The approval of the MMEL falls under the jurisdiction of the regulatory authority, which, in Canada, is the Minister of Transport. By approving the MMEL, the Minister ensures that the list maintains compliance with aviation safety standards while providing operators with flexibility in the management of their aircraft.

This process involves careful consideration of safety implications and operational capabilities, ensuring that any equipment that can be inoperative without compromising safety is appropriately documented. The MMEL serves as a guideline for operators and can be adapted by operators into a more specific Minimum Equipment List (MEL) tailored for their aircraft, but it must first be sanctioned by the Minister, emphasizing the government's role in maintaining aviation safety.

Other entities, such as the FAA Administrator or aircraft manufacturers, do have significant roles in overall regulatory frameworks and equipment design, but they do not have the authority to approve the MMEL for Canadian aircraft specifically. The Pilot in Command plays a critical role in operation and safety procedures but is not involved in the approval process of the MMEL. Thus, the correct answer correctly reflects the regulatory framework under which the MM