FAA Updates Guidance on NEF Programs

The FAA has published an information for operators letter (InFo 18004) updating and clarifying the requirements for operators to develop nonessential equipment and furnishings (NEF) lists. NEF programs must be approved by the agency before they can be used for flight operations.  

An NEF program allows operators to use the deferral authority granted in the master minimum equipment list (MMEL) to provide relief for certain “inoperative, damaged, or missing nonessential items located throughout an aircraft.” An approved NEF program contains a list of the specific non-essential items, “a process for evaluating an item in accordance with NEF requirements, reporting procedures, and repair and/or replacement policy and procedures.” 

Primarily, NEF applies to items installed on the aircraft as part of the original type certification, supplemental type certificate, engineering order, or other form of alteration, “that if inoperative, damaged, or missing, have no effect on the aircraft’s ability to be operated safely under all operational conditions.” Additionally, a NEF list may include cosmetic items that are fully serviceable but worn.

In all cases, NEF items shouldn’t include instruments and equipment already identified in the MEL or in a configuration deviation list (CDL); items contrary to an operator’s continuous airworthiness maintenance program; paint condition (which is addressed in other maintenance documents); bug infestations of any type; and items that are only dirty or soiled.  

The InFo letter recommends that operators authorized to conduct operations with an FAA-approved MEL “should review these recent clarifications and update their NEF programs as needed. FAA principal inspectors are encouraged to discuss these clarifications with their operators.”