Can anybody check their MEL and see if it allows dispatch without the entire PA system? My MEL seems to allow a partial failure, ie FD to Cabin or Cabin to Cabin, but not both. If yours does allow an entire system being deferred, does it address a way for the flight deck crew to call an evacuation?

Thanks

MEL is different for each certified type with some differences based on specific airlines. As the pilot (i.e. final authority for the safe operation....), you can ask (demand) to see the one that applies to your airline/aircraft.

As for evac systems (don't quote me on this), absent a PA system, there has to be a (certified) way to signal the initiation of an evac. I've seen some airlines get battery powered bullhorns approved - but the key is it must be specified in the MEL.

Bottom line. My MEL is different than yours - use yours.

Right, I was just curious what some other MEL's said.

CRJ200 can and has been flown with the PA MEL'd- Chime kept going off and would not stop so they pulled the breaker to the whole system, FA has to shout if it's a full plane and I asked the Mech. is there a limit to an amoutn of pax in that instance and I believe he said the 50 can defer the whole thing and still run out full.

Our MEL states that there is one Passenger Address (PA) System installed but none are required provided procedures are established for normal operations and emergency operations and any other pertinent operating restrictions are established and used.

To be able to comply with this MEL though, the flight attendant call switch light on the center pedestal and the resulting flight attendant audio alerting system of the crewmember interphone system are operative and working normally.

The flight attendent still has to make their briefings, they just have to do them now without the PA system. Bummer for them!

I would most likely get up and talk to the passengers as well without the PA. Bummer for me too!

Hope that helps!

Many airliners have one or more non-deferrable magaphones which are to be used by the FAs if the PA is out.

Joe

I just checked it and it says you can defer jercky captains and annoying flight attendants as well as 4 year old F/O's. its the new revised edition.... I'm a mechanic tho, I can do that type of thing. F/A's - I won't defer you if you keep giving me those delicious little oatmeal snackers - thanks*

Ours allows use of the megaphone in lieu ...

Reading this thread reminded me of Garrett Morris doing the "hearing-impaired" bit on the original SNL.