FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
During preflight for an IFR flight in IMC, a pilot notices the aircraft's panel-mounted clock is inoperative and there is no other installed timepiece. The pilot has a personal wristwatch displaying hours, minutes, and seconds. Under 14 CFR 91.205(d), may the flight legally depart IFR?
- ANo, an installed and functioning clock is mandatory equipment for IFR flight
- BNo, unless the flight remains below 10,000 feet MSL
- CYes, because a personal wristwatch displaying hours, minutes, and seconds satisfies the requirement
- DYes, because a clock is not listed as required IFR equipment
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Yes, because a personal wristwatch displaying hours, minutes, and seconds satisfies the requirement
91.205(d)(7) requires a clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds for IFR flight, but FAA guidance confirms this need not be an installed instrument — a pilot's personal wristwatch meeting the display requirement satisfies the regulation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect because the clock does not have to be an installed panel instrument.
- B. Altitude has no bearing on the clock requirement.
- D. Incorrect — a clock is explicitly required IFR equipment under 91.205(d).
IFR Equipment: GRABCARD
91.205(d) lists additional equipment required for IFR flight beyond day/night VFR, remembered by the mnemonic GRABCARD.
- G - Generator/alternator
- R - Radios (nav/comm appropriate for the route)
- A - Attitude indicator
- B - Ball (slip/skid indicator)
- C - Clock (hours, minutes, seconds; need not be installed)
- A - Altimeter (sensitive, adjustable for barometric pressure)
Memory trick: 'GRAB CARD before you go IFR' lists every extra instrument.