confirming that daytime flight with inoperative position  lights is acceptable in accordance with the provisions of the  MEL, the pilot would leave the position lights switch OFF,  open the circuit breaker (or whatever action is called for in  the procedures document), and placard the position light  switch as INOPERATIVE.  maintenance (removal always will), it must be accomplished  by certificated maintenance personnel and recorded in  accordance with 14 CFR part 43.  For example, if the position lights (installed equipment)  were discovered to be inoperative prior to a daytime flight,  the pilot would follow the requirements of 14 CFR, part 91,  section 91.213(d).  The deactivation may be a process as simple as the pilot  positioning a circuit breaker to the OFF position or as  complex as rendering instruments or equipment totally  inoperable. Complex maintenance tasks require a certificated  and appropriately rated maintenance person to perform the  deactivation. In all cases, the item or equipment must be  placarded INOPERATIVE.  There are exceptions to the use of the MEL for deferral. For  example, should a component fail that is not listed in the MEL  as deferrable (the tachometer, flaps, or stall warning device,  for example), then repairs are required to be performed prior  to departure. If maintenance or parts are not readily available  at that location, a special flight permit can be obtained from  the nearest FSDO. This permit allows the aircraft to be  flown to another location for maintenance. This allows an  aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness  requirements, but is capable of safe flight, to be operated  under the restrictive special terms and conditions attached  to the special flight permit.  Deferral of maintenance is not to be taken lightly, and due  consideration should be given to the effect an inoperative  component may have on the operation of an aircraft,  particularly if other items are inoperative. Further information  regarding MELs and operations with inoperative equipment  can be found in AC 91-67, Minimum Equipment Requirements  for General Aviation Operations Under FAR Part 91.  All small rotorcraft, non-turbine powered airplanes, gliders,  or lighter-than-air aircraft operated under 14 CFR part 91  are eligible to use the maintenance deferral provisions of 14  CFR, part 91, section 91.213(d). However, once an operator  requests an MEL, and a Letter of Authorization (LOA)  is issued by the FAA, then the use of the MEL becomes  mandatory for that aircraft. All maintenance deferrals must  be accomplished in accordance with the terms and conditions  of the MEL and the operator-generated procedures document.  The use of an MEL for an aircraft operated under 14  CFR part 91 also allows for the deferral of inoperative  items or equipment. The primary guidance becomes the  FAA-approved MEL issued to that specific operator and  N-numbered aircraft.  The FAA has developed master minimum equipment lists  (MMELs) for aircraft in current use. Upon written request by  an operator, the local FSDO may issue the appropriate make  and model MMEL, along with an LOA, and the preamble.  The operator then develops operations and maintenance  (O&M) procedures from the MMEL. This MMEL with O&M  procedures now becomes the operator’s MEL. The MEL,  LOA, preamble, and procedures document developed by the  operator must be on board the aircraft during each operation.  The FAA considers an approved MEL to be a supplemental  type certificate (STC) issued to an aircraft by serial number  and registration number. It, therefore, becomes the authority  to operate that aircraft in a condition other than originally  type certificated.  All pilots who perform preventive maintenance must make  an entry in the maintenance record of the aircraft. The entry  must include the following information:  Preventive maintenance is regarded as simple or minor  preservation operations and the replacement of small standard  parts, not involving complex assembly operations. Allowed  items of preventative maintenance are listed and limited to  the items of 14 CFR part 43, appendix A(c).  The following examples of preventive maintenance are taken  from 14 CFR, part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance,  Rebuilding, and Alternation, which should be consulted for a  more in-depth look at the preventive maintenance a pilot can  perform on an aircraft. Remember, preventive maintenance  With an approved MEL, if the position lights were discovered  inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would make  an entry in the maintenance record or discrepancy record  provided for that purpose. The item would then either be  repaired or deferred in accordance with the MEL. Upon  9-10  Preventive Maintenance  Maintenance Entries  Examples of Preventive Maintenance  1. A description of the work, such as “changed oil (Shell  Aero-50) at 2,345 hours”  2.  The date of completion of the work performed  3.  The pilot’s name, signature, certificate number, and  type of certificate held 