Overview
In order to ensure safe flight operations, the FAA have defined minimum requirements of instruments and equipment to be on board and operative for any flight to be legal. These requirements vary depending upon the type of operation being conducted. Furthermore, each set of required equipment by operation can be divided into three groups of instruments and equipment. The primary reference for these requirements is found in 14 CFR 91.205.
Commentary
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Day
The requirements for flying visual flight rules (VFR) during the day are:
| Category | Instrument / Equipment | Notes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Instruments | Tachometer | Required for each engine | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(4) |
| Oil Pressure Gauge | Required if using a pressure system | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(5) | |
| Oil Temperature Gauge | Required for air-cooled engines | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(7) | |
| Manifold Pressure Gauge | Required for each altitude engine | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(8) | |
| Temperature Gauge | Required for liquid-cooled engines |
14 CFR 91.205(b)(6) | |
| Flight Instruments | Airspeed Indicator | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(1) | |
| Altimeter | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(2) | ||
| Magnetic Direction Indicator | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(3) | ||
| Safety Equipment | Anti-Collision Light | Required if aircraft was certificated after March 11, 1996 | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(11) |
| Fuel Quantity Gauges | Required for each fuel tank | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(9) | |
| Landing Gear Position Indicator | Required for aircraft with retractable gear | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(10) | |
| Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) | Required unless exempted by 14 CFR 91.207 | 14 CFR 91.205(b)(15) 14 CFR 91.207(a) |
|
| Safety Belts | Required for each occupant more than 2 years old Shoulder harnesses required for each front seat |
14 CFR 91.205(b)(13) 14 CFR 91.205(b)(14) |
|
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Night
The requirements for flying visual flight rules (VFR) at night are:
| Category | Equipment | Notes | Reference |
| Regulatory | VFR-Day Required Equipment | 91.205(c)(1) | |
| Safety | Position Lights | Also known as "nav" lights | 91.205(c)(2) |
| Anti-Collision Lights | 91.205(c)(3) | ||
| Landing Lights | If operated for hire | 91.205(c)(4) | |
| Electrical | Source of Energy | Enough for all installed electrical and radio equipment | 91.205(c)(5) |
| Fuses | One complete set, or three of each kind, accessible to the pilot | 91.205(c)(6) | |
Memory Aids
The following are the most widely-used acronyms for remembering the equipment requirements listed in 91.205.
Day VFR Requirements
| "A TOMATO FLAMES" |
|---|
| A - Anti-Collision Lights |
| T - Tachometer |
| O - Oil Pressure Gauge |
| M - Manifold Pressure Gauge |
| A - Altimeter |
| T - Temperature Gauge |
| O - Oil Temperature Gauge |
| F - Fuel Gauges |
| L - Landing Gear Position Indicator |
| A - Airspeed Indicator |
| M - Magnetic Direction Indicator |
| E - Emergency Locator Transmitter |
| S - Seatbelts |
Night VFR Requirements
| "FLAPS" |
|---|
| F - Fuses |
| L - Landing Light |
| A - Anti-Collision Light |
| P - Position Lights |
| S - Source of Electricity |