The wording on these can be a little confusing - which
Authority is approving/accepting which document.
Here is the wording from EUOPS:
An operator shall establish, for each aeroplane, a minimum equipment list (MEL)
approved by the Authority. This shall be based upon, but no less restrictive
than, the relevant master minimum equipment list (MMEL) (if this exists)
accepted by the Authority.
So, our interpretation ..... the
Authority of the State of the Operator "accepts" (has no objection
to) the MMEL, and "approves" (documents as fit for purpose) the MEL.
The MEL is produced by the Operator, and forms part of the Operations Manual.
The MEL is based on the MMEL, and will always be "no
less restrictive" than the MMEL - in other words, the MEL you use will
always be at least as restrictive as the Manufacturers MMEL.