inoperative instruments

Traffic Pattern Oct 14, 2026

FAR Ninety-One Point Two Thirteen, the Four-Question Test Every Pilot Needs Before Departing With a Broken Instrument, and the Line Between Legal Flight and Smart Flight

FAR 91.213 gives pilots a four-question test to determine whether an aircraft can legally fly with an inoperative instrument or piece of equipment.

Pattern

Traffic Pattern Sep 2, 2026

FAR Ninety-One Point Two Zero Five, the Required Equipment List, and the Mnemonic Every Student Memorizes But Never Actually Learns to Use

FAR 91.205 defines three tiers of required aircraft equipment for day VFR, night VFR, and IFR - understanding why each item exists matters more than any mnemonic.

Pattern

Traffic Pattern Aug 6, 2026

FAR Ninety-One Two Oh Five, the Instrument Checklist Behind the Word ATOMATOFLAMES, and Why the Placard on Your Panel Isn't the Whole Story on What Has to Work Before You Fly

FAR 91.205 and the ATOMATOFLAMES memory aid tell you what equipment your aircraft needs - but the real answer depends on when and how you fly.

Pattern