Powered civil aircraft with standard U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements

In plain English

This rule lists the instruments and equipment that must be installed and working for different kinds of flight. The common mnemonics summarize it: ATOMATOFLAMES for VFR day, add FLAPS for VFR night, and add GRABCARD for IFR.

Key points

• VFR day (ATOMATOFLAMES): Airspeed, Tachometer, Oil pressure, Manifold pressure, Altimeter, Temperature, Oil temperature, Fuel gauge, Landing gear position, Anti-collision lights, Magnetic compass, ELT, Seatbelts.
• VFR night adds (FLAPS): Fuses/spares, Landing light (if for hire), Anti-collision lights, Position lights, Source of power.
• IFR adds (GRABCARD): Generator/alternator, Radios, Attitude indicator, Ball, Clock, Altimeter (adjustable), Rate-of-turn, Directional gyro.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming an inoperative item grounds you — also check 91.213 (inoperative equipment) and your MEL.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*