What does the term 'MEL' stand for in aviation?

The term 'MEL' stands for Minimum Equipment List. This is a crucial document in aviation that outlines the equipment that must be operational for an aircraft to be considered airworthy. The MEL allows for certain equipment to be inoperative under specific conditions, ensuring that pilots can still operate the aircraft safely while complying with regulations.

The Minimum Equipment List is developed in conjunction with the aircraft manufacturer and must be approved by the relevant aviation authority. This document helps to streamline flight operations by providing guidelines on how to handle situations where equipment malfunctions, thus maintaining safety while allowing for operational flexibility.

In contrast, other terms like Maintenance Eligibility List or Management of Equipment List do not exist in this context. Mass Emergency List could imply a situation management document, which is unrelated to the specific functionality and legal requirements provided by the MEL. Thus, the choice that accurately represents the aviation terminology and its implications for safety and regulation is indeed Minimum Equipment List.