Commercial and Business Aviation Advisory Circulars

Generated Minimum Equipment List (GMEL) Program for Airline and Commuter Operators

INTRODUCTION

This Air Carrier Advisory Circular (ACAC) addresses the implementation of the GMEL Program which supports the mandatory requirement for an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) for Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 704 commuter and 705 airline operators and describes the GMEL procurement protocol.

REFERENCE

CAR 704.07(2)(d) and 705.07(2)(e)

DOCUMENTS INCLUDED HEREWITH

• GMEL Information Form
• MEL Handling Procedures to be Added to FOM and MCM
• "O" and "M" Procedures
• Sample Initial/Recurrent MEL Training Syllabus

BACKGROUND

The requirement for carriers to operate with an approved MEL became regulation for CAR 705 operators on December 10, 1996, and for CAR 704 operators on January 1, 1997. In order to meet the anticipated demand for new MEL approvals, Transport Canada Civil Aviation embarked on a plan to produce MELs for operators. This became the GMEL Program.

The GMEL Program began full production of MELs in August 1997. The most commonly used aircraft types will be done first. The intent is to cover all Commuter and some Airline types (such as the HS748 and Convair 580) in Canada within approximately 18 months. There is no intent at this time to produce a GMEL for existing large aircraft such as the Canadair Regional Jet, or any Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Airbus, Lockheed or similar type that is already operating under a mandated MEL system.

ACTION

An exemption to the CARs requirement was made available. The exemption applies to those aircraft types for which GMELs are being developed but have not been completed. The Master Minimum Equipment List/Minimum Equipment List Policy and Procedures Guide TP 9155E at Appendix "G" will show the "Status of Current Generated MELs".

The exemption is valid until sixty (60) days following the appearance of the GMEL, for the specific aircraft type, in Appendix "G". This should provide sufficient time for the operator to request a MEL from the GMEL Program. It is therefore very important that this appendix be monitored regularly. The appendix is found in the Airworthiness Bulletin Board System (BBS) at (613) 991-6465 or the TC Civil Aviation Internet Website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/. Alternatively contact your GMEL Regional Coordinator.

In order to register in the GMEL Program it is mandatory that each operator submit, by mail or fax, a completed GMEL Information Form which details the aircraft type(s) operated. Those operators who have approved MELs at this time are encouraged to submit an Information Form and may decide at a later date whether they wish to operate with a GMEL.

When a GMEL is available for a specific type, those registered in the program will automatically receive a GMEL Request Form that lists the options, modification status, and other items unique to the aircraft or operation. Upon submission of completed Request Forms, MELs will be generated and forwarded to the appropriate Regional Coordinator who will send it on to the operator. The Region will then approve the operator to use the MEL, provided all manual amendments and MEL training have been accomplished.

Amendments to the MEL will be sent directly to the operator and must be incorporated within a specified time frame in order to maintain the approval of the document.

It is important to understand that if an operator does not currently have an approved MEL for any type, they will require amendments to both their Operations Manual and Maintenance Control Manual as well as personnel training prior to MEL approval. A sample of an approvable amendment and a sample training syllabus are attached and are also available from GMEL Regional Coordinators in electronic form.

It is anticipated that an MEL training video package will be available with the GMELs and will be similar in nature to the "If In Doubt" surface contamination training video. This can be used as a stand alone program and will include an exam.

APPLICABILITY

This applies to Airline and Commuter Operators as specified. Air Taxi and Business (CAR 604) operators are not required to have approved MELs and therefore do not need an exemption, but may voluntarily participate in the GMEL program.

CONCLUSION

Since compliance with the exemption is contingent on knowing when the applicable aircraft type GMEL is available, it is advisable to register early and check Appendix "G", the Master Minimum Equipment List/Minimum Equipment List Policy and Procedures Guide on a monthly basis.

A.J. LaFlamme
Director
Commercial and Business Aviation