FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyEasy
A pilot is preparing a single-engine airplane for IFR flight and reviews the equipment list required under 14 CFR 91.205(d). Which item is required for IFR flight but is NOT required for day VFR flight under 91.205(b)?
- AFuel gauge for each tank
- BMagnetic compass
- CClock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds
- DAirspeed indicator
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds
14 CFR 91.205(d) adds a clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds (with a sweep-second hand or digital equivalent) as an IFR-specific requirement, used for timing approaches. Airspeed indicator, magnetic compass, and fuel gauges are already required for day VFR under 91.205(b).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — required for both day VFR and IFR flight.
- B. Incorrect — required for both day VFR and IFR flight.
- D. Incorrect — required for both day VFR and IFR flight.
IFR-Only Equipment (91.205(d))
Additional instruments required for IFR flight beyond the day-VFR list, including a clock, attitude indicator, and directional gyro.
- Mnemonic GRABCARD covers IFR-added items
- Clock must display hours, minutes, seconds
- Attitude and directional gyros also IFR-only additions
Memory trick: GRABCARD — the clock ticks only when flying IFR.