You are preparing for a flight and discover that the landing light is inoperative. The aircraft is not required to be flown at night, and the landing light is not listed as required equipment in the aircraft's Minimum Equipment List (MEL). What is the appropriate action?

A) Request a special flight permit from the FAA to continue.

B) Cancel the flight until the landing light is repaired.

C) Only operate the flight if approved by maintenance.

D) Proceed with the flight after deactivating or placarding the inoperative equipment.