FAR 91.213 — Inoperative Instruments and Equipment

This regulation defines the process for determining whether an aircraft with inoperative instruments or equipment may still be flown legally. If the aircraft has an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), the MEL governs what can be inoperative. Without an MEL, the pilot must verify the inoperative item is not required by the type certificate, FAR 91.205, any airworthiness directive, or any other regulation for the specific flight. If the item is not required, it must be removed or placarded as inoperative and a logbook entry made. This regulation is frequently tested on the oral exam because it determines go/no-go decisions when something is broken.