How should MEL entries be documented for a Latitude flight?

• A. Keep MEL entries in the pilot's personal logbook.
• B. Record the MEL item, its status, the expected repair action, and maintenance authorization in the dispatch and maintenance logs.
• C. MEL entries do not require documentation.
• D. Record MEL items after the flight is complete.

Answer: (B)

When a flight operates under a Minimum Equipment List, all MEL information must live in the aircraft’s official logs so the entire team — dispatch, maintenance, and flight crew — can see a single, authoritative record. The entry should name the MEL item, show its current status, describe the expected repair action, and capture the maintenance authorization that allows the flight to continue operating under MEL. This approach provides clear traceability, ensures proper approval is in place, and supports safe, compliant operations.

Keeping MEL entries in a pilot’s personal logbook would isolate airworthiness information from the aircraft’s official records, making it harder to verify what’s deferred and who approved it. MEL items do require documentation, so stating that they don’t is inconsistent with maintaining proper airworthiness records. Recording MEL items after the flight risks losing important details and undermines maintenance accountability; the standard practice is to document promptly in the dispatch and maintenance logs with the necessary authorization.