What is the minimum VFR equipment you are comfortable flying with?

[jcoloccia]

Honestly, if I were only interested in VFR day, the only thing I'd really care about is Oil Pressure, Altimeter (always good to know how high you are) and a GPS. Everything else I'm perfectly happy doing with my ears, my eyes and my butt.

GPS is a new one on my list. I don't actually use it that much...I prefer pilotage and dead reckoning, mostly because I've always had a hard time with navigation so I like to practice as much as I can (some people can stick their finger in the air, and know where they are to the inch.....not me). Tell you what, though...unless I'm just burning holes in the sky in my own neighborhood, I won't leave home without the GPS anymore.

edit: duh...I left out a compass, radio and transponder...gotta have those, too

[Robert M]

I personally would like to have all that is recommended in 91.205 at my disposal and I fully plan to have my aircraft night VFR ready, however, according to Joe Norris (1st ever Certified FAA EAA AB DAR), 91.205 pertains only to "Standard Airworthiness Certificates". Since this forum is for Rv's - we're talking Special Airworthines Certificates. Once again, according to Joe Norris, are you ready for this????? absolutely nothing in the way of instrumentation is required in an experimental aircraft for day VFR flight - not even a compass. I know this because the question came up at my EAA Chapter. I investigated and Joe Norris (EAA AB DAR) assured me that nothing had to be there.

Having said all that, airspace may dictate a Mode C transponder and radio. Common sense tells me - minimum - airspeed, altimeter, compass and a handheld. Also, 91.205 DOES pertain to Special Airworthiness when talking night VFR and IFR.