Final answer:
May in NATOPS refers to the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) in aviation. The MEL allows for certain equipment to be inoperative or missing while still allowing the aircraft to be flown.
Step-by-step explanation:
May in NATOPS refers to the Minimum Equipment List or MEL. The MEL allows for certain equipment to be inoperative or missing while still allowing the aircraft to be flown. The word 'May' indicates that the equipment is not required for flight but its absence restricts the aircraft's capabilities or performance.