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Dalmd88 wrote:MEL items also come with a limit as to how long they can be inop. Some require the item be fixed within a short time span (can't recall the shortest) others can be on differed maintenance for 10 days. Reoccurring MEL items are not liked by the FAA.
Lpbri wrote:Usually if the same item faults three times in a given interval, it can't be placarded. Three strikes and its out.
Lpbri wrote:Usually if the same item faults three times in a given interval, it can't be placarded. Three strikes and its out.
fr8mech wrote:Lpbri wrote:Usually if the same item faults three times in a given interval, it can't be placarded. Three strikes and its out.
I'll pretty much disagree with that. The MEL has no stipulation as to how many times an item may be placed on MEL. Your GMM, or equivalent, may tie your hands that way, but the MEL itself does not.
A good "repeating item" alert program should catch an item before it gets MEL'd 3 times, in a given time period. But, even then, the aircraft is not necessarily grounded. At my operator, the Technical Services group takes a look at it, and develops a plan to repair.
The FAA can take a dim view of repeating MEL's, but so long as the operator has a plan in place to address the item, and does so, in good faith, the FAA is tolerant. Trust me...been there, done that...answered the questions asked and the LOI's issued.