Jason Schappert has recently created a short video with a great acronym to remember what instruments are required for VFR flights. His acronym for day flights: A-TOMATO-FLAMES. Here is what it stands for:
- A – Altimeter
- T – Tachometer
- O – Oil Temperature Gauge
- M – Manifold Pressure Gauge (If applicable)
- A – Airspeed Indicator
- T – Temperature Gauge (For each liquid cooled engine)
- O – Oil Pressure Gauge
- F – Fuel Gauges
- L – Landing Gear Position Indicator (If applicable)
- A – Anti Collision Lights (For aircraft manufactured after March 11, 1996)
- M – Magnetic Compass
- E – ELT
- S – Seat Belts
And if you happen to be flying at night, just add FLAPS:
- F – Fuses
- L – Landing Light
- A – Anti Collision Lights
- P – Position Lights
- S – Source of Power
Hence and on your next checkride, just remember: A-TOMATO-FLAMES-FLAPS
I used to fly a 'Powered Parachute' microlight in the UK – so my instrument checklist was quite easy. 'A' for altimeter. That was it!
I sometimes added 'C' for compass (on a lanyard around my neck) and in the later years a primitive 'GPS' – no moving map, just a dotted line so I could find my way back!
The simple life 🙂
Landing light at night is only required for flights that are for hire. . Elt not required for single seat aircraft.
Thats what my instructor taught me. Here’s one for systems EPIIC FEELL
Engine
Propellor
Induction
Ignition
Cooling
Fuel
Environmental control
Electrical
Lubrication
Landing gear.
Have a blessed day!