Description

A configuration deviation list (CDL) is a list, established by the organization responsible for the type design with the approval of the State of Design, which identifies any external parts of an aircraft type which may be missing at the commencement of a flight, and which contains, where necessary, any information on associated operating limitations and performance correction. (ICAO Annex 6: Operation of Aircraft)

The CDL is usually prepared by the aircraft manufacturer and is part of the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).

The CDL is a listing of regulator-approved non-structural external parts that may be missing but the airplane remains airworthy. To qualify an item onto the CDL, a restrictive set of conditions must be met, e.g.: