When an aircraft does not have a minimum equipment list, what is the protocol for inoperative items found during inspection?

Completing the maintenance record indicating the item's status is essential because it ensures that there is a clear and formal documentation of all inoperative items found during an inspection. This record-keeping is vital for maintaining safety and compliance, as it provides valuable information for future maintenance activities and inspections. This documentation process helps to inform other technicians or inspectors of the current condition of the aircraft and any issues that need addressing. In situations where there isn’t a minimum equipment list (MEL), accurately documenting the status and assessing the impact of inoperative items is crucial for airworthiness and adherence to regulatory standards.

Flagging items for future inspections or simply advising the owner about rectification without proper documentation would not fulfill regulatory requirements. Reporting to the FAA could be appropriate in some situations but is not a standard response for addressing inoperative items without an MEL. Overall, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of maintaining thorough records in aircraft maintenance operations.