Flying is such an exhilarating thing to do, but with so many pilots doing not-so-smart things in the past, we have the FAA to deal with now. We have to make sure we have all our i's dotted and t's crossed so we don't get fined (or whatever punishment they decide on) by the FAA.
In order to fly in an airplane during the day or night in VFR conditions, there is a list of items that must be operating on the aircraft for it to be airworthy. For a checkride, you'll need to have all of these items memorized, but for every day pilot life, I would recommend creating a 'cheat sheet' for yourself.
Following is the 'cheat sheet' I made for myself and still keep on my kneeboard when I am flight instructing or flying solo. That way if something is inop, I can quickly look down at my sheet and see if I am legal to fly or not. The acronym I used to help me memorize this is TOMAATOFFLAMES for the required items during day, and FLAPS for the additional items required at night.
Required Equipment: FAR 91.205
Day VFR
Tachometer for each engine
Oil pressure gauge for each engine using a pressure system
Magnetic direction indicator (compass)
Airspeed indicator
Altimeter
Temperature gauge for each liquid-cooled engine
Oil temperature gauge for each air-cooled engine
Fuel gauge indicating the quantity of fuel in each tank
Flotation gear if flight is for hire beyond gliding distance from shore
Landing gear position indicator
Anti-collision light system, if certified after March 11, 1996
Manifold pressure gauge for each altitude engine
ELT, if required by FAR 91.207
Safety belt for each occupant over 2 years old, Shoulder harness, if after July 18, 1978
Night VFR
All equipment listed above plus….
Fuse: a spare set if accessible to the pilot
Landing light: electric if the flight is for hire
Anti Collision light system: red or white
Position navigation lights
Source of electricity for all electrical and radio equipment
You are welcome to copy and paste this list into a word document and use it for yourself; in fact, I hope
