FAR 91.205 — Required Instruments and Equipment

This regulation lists the minimum instruments and equipment required for flight under various conditions. For day VFR, the common mnemonic is ATOMATOFLAMES (or GOOSEACAT): Airspeed indicator, Tachometer, Oil pressure gauge, Manifold pressure gauge (if applicable), Altimeter, Temperature gauge, Oil temperature gauge, Fuel gauge, Landing gear position indicator, Anti-collision lights, Magnetic compass, ELT, and Seatbelts. Night VFR adds FLAPS: Fuses, Landing light (if for hire), Anti-collision lights, Position lights, and Source of electrical energy. Knowing what equipment is required prevents launching with an unairworthy aircraft.