Understanding Required Documents for Flight: The ARROW Acronym and MEL

When preparing for a flight, pilots must ensure they have all necessary documents and equipment in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. A commonly used mnemonic in aviation to remember the required documents is ARROW. Additionally, the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) plays a critical role in determining whether an aircraft is airworthy when certain equipment is inoperative. This blog post breaks down the ARROW acronym and explains the MEL to help pilots stay compliant and safe.

The ARROW Acronym

The ARROW acronym stands for the essential documents that must be on board an aircraft before it can legally take flight in the United States. These documents ensure the aircraft and pilot meet regulatory requirements. Here’s what each letter stands for:

A - Airworthiness Certificate

  • What it is: Issued by the FAA, the Airworthiness Certificate confirms that the aircraft meets safety standards and is fit to fly.
  • Where to find it: Must be displayed in the aircraft, typically near the entrance or in the cockpit, visible to passengers and crew.
  • Regulation: Per 14 CFR 91.203, no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it has a valid airworthiness certificate on board.

R - Registration Certificate

  • What it is: The Registration Certificate proves the aircraft is registered with the FAA and identifies its owner.
  • Where to find it: Must be carried on board the aircraft at all times.
  • Regulation: 14 CFR 91.203 requires a valid registration certificate. Note that temporary registrations (e.g., a “pink slip”) may be used during the registration process but have expiration dates.

R - Radio Station License

  • What it is: Required for aircraft operating internationally or using certain radio frequencies in the U.S.
  • Details: Issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), this license is necessary if the aircraft communicates on international flights or uses specific frequencies. For domestic U.S. operations, this requirement may not apply for most general aviation aircraft.
  • Where to find it: Must be on board if applicable.
  • Regulation: 47 CFR 87.18 governs radio station licenses.

O - Operating Limitations

  • What it is: These are the aircraft’s operating limitations, often found in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).
  • Details: Includes weight and balance information, performance charts, and any specific limitations for the aircraft model.
  • Where to find it: Must be carried on board, typically in the form of the POH or placards in the cockpit.
  • Regulation: 14 CFR 91.9 requires compliance with operating limitations.

W - Weight and Balance

  • What it is: Documentation showing the aircraft’s weight and center of gravity are within acceptable limits for safe operation.
  • Details: Pilots must calculate weight and balance for each flight, using data specific to the aircraft, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
  • Where to find it: Typically included in the POH or calculated by the pilot and kept on board.
  • Regulation: 14 CFR 91.103 requires pilots to review weight and balance before flight.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL)

The Minimum Equipment List (MEL) is another critical component for ensuring an aircraft is airworthy. The MEL is a document approved by the FAA that lists equipment and instruments that can be inoperative while still allowing the aircraft to be flown safely under specific conditions.

What is the MEL?

  • The MEL is aircraft-specific and tailored to the make, model, and equipment installed.
  • It allows pilots to operate an aircraft with certain inoperative equipment, provided the conditions outlined in the MEL are met (e.g., additional checks, operational limitations, or maintenance deferrals).
  • For example, if a navigation light is inoperative, the MEL may allow daytime flights but prohibit nighttime operations.

How does it work?

  • Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL): The FAA provides a generic MMEL for each aircraft type, which operators use to develop their own MEL.
  • Customized MEL: Operators (e.g., flight schools or airlines) customize the MEL for their specific aircraft, and it must be approved by the FAA.
  • Letter of Authorization (LOA): The MEL is accompanied by an LOA, which must be on board the aircraft.
  • Regulation: 14 CFR 91.213 governs the use of an MEL for aircraft with inoperative equipment.

When is an MEL required?

  • An MEL is typically used for complex aircraft or operations under Part 135 (commercial operations) or Part 121 (air carriers).
  • For general aviation aircraft under Part 91, pilots may rely on 14 CFR 91.213(d), which allows operation without an MEL if inoperative equipment is not required by the aircraft’s certification, airworthiness directives, or other regulations.

Key Considerations for MEL

  • Always check the MEL before flight if equipment is inoperative.
  • If no MEL exists, the aircraft must comply with 14 CFR 91.205 (required instruments and equipment) and other regulations.
  • Maintenance must be deferred properly, and inoperative equipment must be placarded as “INOP.”

Why ARROW and MEL Matter

The ARROW documents and MEL are critical for ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and maintaining safety. Forgetting a required document or failing to address inoperative equipment could result in:

  • Regulatory violations: Fines or certificate actions from the FAA.
  • Safety risks: Operating an aircraft that is not airworthy or outside its limitations.
  • Flight delays: Grounding the aircraft until compliance is achieved.

Tips for Pilots

  • Checklist: Create a preflight checklist that includes verifying all ARROW documents.
  • Familiarize with MEL: If your aircraft has an MEL, review it regularly and understand its conditions.
  • Stay updated: Ensure all documents (e.g., registration, airworthiness certificate) are current and not expired.
  • Training: Discuss ARROW and MEL requirements during flight training or with a flight instructor to clarify any doubts.

Conclusion

The ARROW acronym and MEL are essential tools for pilots to ensure their aircraft is legal and safe to fly. By keeping the Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, Radio Station License (if applicable), Operating Limitations, and Weight and Balance documentation on board, and by understanding the MEL for your aircraft, you can confidently comply with FAA regulations. Always double-check these requirements during your preflight preparations to ensure a safe and hassle-free flight.

Happy flying, and stay compliant!

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Always consult the latest FAA regulations and your aircraft’s documentation for accurate requirements.