[mshac]

Jim is probably right - I don't recall "fuel pump" as being on the list of required items for either VFR or IFR flight. I'd compare it to flying NORDO VFR - completely legal in non-controlled airspace, but not recommended. And for the non-airline types, an MEL is a Minimum Equipment List - Everything on the list has to work in order to dispatch the airplane. Things like coffee pots and reading lights are not on the list, but I would imagine fuel pumps would be.