Definition
An authorization that allows a pilot or operator to legally postpone the repair of a specific inoperative item of equipment on an aircraft, provided the conditions and limitations specified in the applicable Minimum Equipment List (MEL) or regulation are met.
Plain English
A rule that lets you fly with a broken piece of equipment for a limited time, as long as you follow the steps that go with it.
Context Anchor
Seen when deciding whether an aircraft may legally fly with inoperative equipment under a Minimum Equipment List or the operating rules for aircraft without one.
Derivation
From the Latin 'differre,' meaning to put off or delay. A deferral provision is the formal permission that lets a repair be put off without grounding the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
It prevents unnecessary grounding of aircraft for minor equipment issues while ensuring safety through compensatory measures.
Analogy
Similar to driving with a warning light on after checking the manual says it's okay for a short trip.
Intuition Check
Do not read deferral provision as general permission to fly with broken equipment. It means repair may be delayed only when an approved rule allows it and the required steps have been completed.
Example Sentence 1
Because the landing light was inoperative, the pilot used the deferral provision in the MEL to placard it and continue the daytime flight.
Example Sentence 2
Checking the MEL revealed a deferral provision that permitted continued operation with the autopilot inoperative under VFR conditions.