For temporary deactivation of an instrument that poses no hazard, what action is recommended?

When an instrument is temporarily deactivated because it poses no immediate hazard to the safe operation of the aircraft, the appropriate action is to deactivate it and placard it as inoperative. This ensures that all personnel are aware of the instrument's status and that it should not be relied upon for flight operations. Deferring repairs indefinitely is not advisable as it can lead to potential issues if the instrument is ultimately necessary for the aircraft's safe operation.

By placarding the instrument, you communicate clearly to any flight crew and maintenance personnel that the instrument is currently out of service and cannot be used until it is repaired. This method ensures safety and compliance with regulations, while allowing for the ongoing operation of the aircraft without that specific instrument, assuming it does not affect essential flight operations.

In contrast, maintenance override and continued use could lead to unsafe situations if the instrument's failure is not properly managed. Notifying the FAA and waiting for an inspection may unnecessarily ground the aircraft depending on the situation, and simply replacing the instrument with a spare does not address the underlying issue if it is not immediately necessary for safe flight. Therefore, the recommended approach balances safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.