Module MOD-14 · 8 min · ACS PA.I.A · ACS PA.I.B

Documents, Equipment and Preflight Action

← Federal Aviation Regulationsdraft — pending CFI review

Why this matters in flight: A ramp check or an in-flight failure is not the time to discover a missing document or an inoperative required instrument. Knowing what must be aboard and what you must know before takeoff keeps a legal, airworthy airplane under you.

Two mnemonics carry most of this material. ARROW lists the documents that must be in the aircraft: the Airworthiness certificate, Registration certificate, Radio station license (for international flights), Operating limitations (the flight manual and placards), and Weight and balance data. ATOMATOFLAMES lists the minimum equipment for day VFR — airspeed indicator, tachometer, oil pressure and temperature gauges, altimeter, fuel gauge, anti-collision lights, magnetic compass, ELT, seatbelts, and a few items specific to certain aircraft — and night VFR adds FLAPS: spare fuses, a landing light if flying for hire, anti-collision and position lights, and a source of electrical power. Beyond equipment, the regulations require preflight action: the pilot in command must review weather, runway lengths, alternatives, and — for flights away from the airport vicinity — fuel requirements and takeoff and landing distances.

Key terms

ARROW
Airworthiness, Registration, Radio license, Operating limitations, Weight and balance.
ATOMATOFLAMES
The day-VFR minimum equipment mnemonic under 14 CFR 91.205.
Preflight action
Required review of weather, runways, fuel, and alternatives before flight.

Summary

ARROW documents must be aboard; ATOMATOFLAMES (plus FLAPS at night) lists required equipment; and preflight action requires reviewing weather, runways, fuel, and alternatives before departure.

Quick check ▾

One question on what you just read.

Question 1 of 1

Objective mastery: 15%

0 of 1 answered

In the ARROW mnemonic for required aircraft documents, what does the second "R" represent?

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Sources

Every claim traces to a source — paraphrased knowledge elements pointing at the governing FAA publication; not yet verified against a retrieved source.

  • 14 CFR 91.9 / 91.203 — 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules unverified
  • 14 CFR 91.205 — 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules unverified
  • 14 CFR 91.103 — 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules unverified

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