Who has the final authority on what items are necessary for MEL (Minimum Equipment List) departure?

The captain has the final authority on what items are necessary for Minimum Equipment List (MEL) departure because they hold the ultimate responsibility for the safety and operation of the aircraft. The MEL outlines a list of equipment that can be inoperative for the aircraft to be considered airworthy, but the decision to accept the aircraft for flight based on that list rests solely with the captain. This authority is grounded in the regulatory framework governing aviation, which clearly designates the captain as the person responsible for ensuring that all operational parameters, including compliance with the MEL, are met before departure.

Captains draw upon their training, experience, and judgment to assess the situation, which might involve consultation with maintenance personnel or ground crew. However, the final decision still resides with them, ensuring that they can make critically informed choices while prioritizing safety.