How are MEL items treated in Latitude operations?

• A. All defects can be deferred if you promise to fix later.
• B. MEL items must be logged but may be deferred.
• C. Non-MEL defects can be ignored if not critical.
• D. Only items on the approved MEL may be deferred; non-MEL defects require maintenance attention and may prevent dispatch until resolved.

Answer: (C)

Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items are defects you’re allowed to defer, but only under the controls of an approved MEL and the conditions it specifies. In Latitude operations, you assess the MEL to confirm a deferral is authorized for the flight, you log the item, and you proceed with the flight if everything else is within limits. Non-MEL defects, on the other hand, require maintenance attention and may prevent dispatch until resolved. This distinction—deferrable MEL items versus non-deferrable non-MEL defects—ensures the aircraft remains airworthy and compliant while still allowing discretionary operations when the MEL permits.