Required For Flight

Question 1

What documents are required to be in the aircraft?

Answer 1

A - airworthiness certificate 
R - registration
R - radio operators license (if outside U.S.)
O - owner's manual (POH)
W - weight and balance (AFM)

Question 2

What inspections are required for the aircraft and when are they required?

Answer 2

A - annual (12 calendar months) 91.409(a)
V* - VOR (30 days) 91.171
1 - 100 hour (100 hours of flight time) 91.409(b)
A - altimeter (24 calendar months) 91.215, 91.411
T - transponder (24 cal months) 91.215, 91.411
E - ELT (12 calendar months) 91.207(b)
E - ELT battery (1hr con use, 50% life) 91.207(c)
S* - static and encoder (24 cal months) 91.203

• not required for VFR flight

Question 3

What aircraft equipment is required by 14 CFR 91.205(c)?

Answer 3

A - airspeed indicator
T - transponder
O - oil pressure gauge (per engine)
M* - manifold pressure gauge (per altitude engine)
A - anti collision lights 
T* - temperature gauge (if liquid cooled)
O - oil temperature gauge (if air cooled)
F - fuel quantity gauge
L* - landing gear position indicator
A - altimeter
M - magnetic compass
E - ELT
S - safety belts

• not required for PA-28-181

Question 4

What aircraft equipment is required for night flight by 14 CFR 91.205(b)?

Answer 4

F - fuses (circuit breakers)
L - landing light (if for hire)
A - anti collision lights
P - position lights / nav lights
S - source of electricity