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On your checkride, you will need to know 91.205(b) which specifies VFR Day Instrument Requirements for flight.
We use the acronym A-TOMATO-FLAMES to remember the required equipment.
Altimeter
–
Tachometer
Oil temperature gauge
Magnetic compass
Airspeed Indicator
Temperature gauge (for liquid-cooled engines)
Oil pressure
–
Fuel quantity gauge
Landing gear position indicator (for retractable landing gear)
Anti-collision lights – (for aircraft certified after March 11th, 1996)
Manifold pressure gauge (for airplanes with a constant speed propeller)
ELT
Seatbelts
Note: If the aircraft was not built with equipment, it is not required. For example, a Cessna 172 has an air-cooled engine and fixed landing gear.
Further reading: Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 2; FAR/AIM 14 CFR § 91.205 .
