CA-MEL stands for which term?

CA-MEL stands for which term?

• A. Crew Authorized MEL
• B. Cargo Approved MEL
• C. Captain Approved MEL
• D. Crew Applied MELs

Answer: (D)

CA-MEL stands for Crew Applied MELs. The Minimum Equipment List outlines what equipment can be inoperative and still allow a flight to operate. When a MEL item is “applied” by the crew, it means the flight crew has evaluated the situation, followed the operator’s MEL procedures, and documented the applicable MEL allowances for that flight rather than waiting for maintenance to reconfigure the airplane. This is why the term refers to the crew actively applying the MEL in flight planning and execution. The other phrasing would imply authority or scope not implied by this acronym. It’s not about “Crew Authorized” or “Captain Approved” MELs, since MEL approvals are governed by the operator’s program and maintenance control, not a single crew member or the captain alone. It isn’t about cargo-specific MELs either, since MELs concern aircraft equipment status, not cargo authorization.

CA-MEL stands for Crew Applied MELs. The Minimum Equipment List outlines what equipment can be inoperative and still allow a flight to operate. When a MEL item is “applied” by the crew, it means the flight crew has evaluated the situation, followed the operator’s MEL procedures, and documented the applicable MEL allowances for that flight rather than waiting for maintenance to reconfigure the airplane. This is why the term refers to the crew actively applying the MEL in flight planning and execution.

The other phrasing would imply authority or scope not implied by this acronym. It’s not about “Crew Authorized” or “Captain Approved” MELs, since MEL approvals are governed by the operator’s program and maintenance control, not a single crew member or the captain alone. It isn’t about cargo-specific MELs either, since MELs concern aircraft equipment status, not cargo authorization.