Here’s a hot topic! What happens when a tomato flames? In aviation training, few mnemonics are as well known as ATOMATOFLAMES. This handy memory aid serves pilots preparing for a checkride, oral exam, or written exam. It helps them recall the FAA’s required instruments and equipment for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight under FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) 91.205. Understanding this regulation is essential for student pilots, private pilots, and instructors (CFIs) alike.
Quick Navigation to A-TOMATO-FLAMES
What does ATOMATOFLAMES mean?
The meaning behind ATOMATOFLAMES represents the equipment that every aircraft must have when operating under VFR during the day per FAR 91.205(b).The acronym stand for:
| Equipment | Functions | |
| A | Airspeed Indicator | Displays aircraft speed through the air |
| T | Tachometer | Indicates engine RPM |
| O | Oil Pressure Gauge | Monitors engine oil pressure |
| M | Manifold Pressure Gauge (if applicable) | For altitude engines only |
| A | Altimeter | Shows aircraft altitude |
| T | Temperature Gauge (for liquid-cooled engines) | Displays engine temperature |
| O | Oil Temperature Gauge (for air-cooled engines) | Displays oil temperature |
| F | Fuel Gauge (for each tank) | Shows usable fuel quantity |
| L | Landing Gear Position Indicator (if retractable) | Displays if gear is retracted or deployed |
| A | Anti-Collision Lights | Increases visibility to others |
| M | Magnetic Compass | Indicates aircraft heading |
| E | ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) | Transmits signal after crash |
| S | Seat Belts | Safety restraint for each occupant |
How to Remember and Apply It
This mnemonic is part of nearly every pilot’s flight plan checklist, also known as a pilot’s preflight action. Many pilots use quick-reference checklists to ensure the minimum equipment list (MEL) meets FAA requirements.
FAR 91.205 outlines the basic equipment requirements for any aircraft, while an MEL specifies which items may be inoperative and still allow the aircraft to be flown legally. The MEL also includes aircraft-specific equipment that goes beyond the general requirements listed in 91.205. The MEL is published by the operator (e.g., an airline or flight school) and ensures compliance with FAR 91.213. For example, airlines create their own MEL that identifies the minimum operating equipment in addition to 91.205.
During training, CFIs encourage students to memorize various acronyms early to build safe protocols and safety procedures into every preflight inspection.
Pilots preparing for their checkride or oral exam should be able to not only recite ATOMATOFLAMES but also explain how each instrument contributes to safe flight operations. Read on to learn about FLAPS and GRABCARDD, two additional acronyms pilots rely on.
FLAPS and Night Flying
For night VFR, FAR 91.205(c) lists additional equipment beyond ATOMATOFLAMES, such as position lights, anti-collision lights, and fuses. Many pilots remember this list using the acronym FLAPS:
| Equipment | Function | |
| F | Fuses / Circuit Breakers | Must have spares/replacements on board |
| L | Landing Light (if for hire) | Must illuminate runway during landing |
| A | Anti-Collision Lights (Strobes) | Required for both day & night, more critical at night |
| P | Position (Navigation) Lights | Required for night flight |
| S | Source of Power | Needed for all night lighting |
Remember, the acronym “FLAPS” is not the same as the flaps you’ll find on an aircraft’s wings!
IFR and GRABCARDD
What about IFR flights? FAR 91.205(d) addresses flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The lists you memorized under ATOMATOFLAMES and FLAPS apply. Additionally, you’ll need a few extras, such as communications systems and instruments for gyroscopic navigation. It’s critical to not only learn the requirements but to understand why they are important.
The “GRABCARDD” acronym reminds pilots of the required equipment for IFR flight under FAR 91.205(d):
| Equipment | Function | |
| G | Generator or Alternator | Provides electrical power for avionics and lights |
| R | Radios (Two-Way Communication and Navigation) | Required for ATC communication and navigation |
| A | Altimeter (Sensitive) | Measures altitude accurately and adjusts for barometric pressure |
| B | Ball (Slip-Skid Indicator) | Shows coordination during turns and all flight phases |
| C | Clock (with seconds display) | Required for timing approaches and holds |
| A | Attitude Indicator | Displays aircraft orientation relative to the horizon |
| R | Rate of Turn Indicator | Indicates rate of aircraft turn |
| D | Directional Gyro (Heading Indicator) | Displays aircraft heading and helps maintain course |
| D | DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) or RNAV (Area Navigation) | DME displays distance to nav aids; RNAV enables navigation by waypoints |
“There are a few ways pilots can memorize the items represented by ATOMATOFLAMES, FLAPS and GRABCARDD. One way is to imagine walking through your home and placing each item in its own unique location. Or, imagine yourself in the cockpit visualizing where each item is located. Some pilots even draw each item as they practice writing the list. I teach students to write down each letter on an index card, then add the word and a brief explanation. What really solidifies learning this is understanding what each piece of equipment does. Any of these approaches can help you memorize what these acronyms represent.” –Ray Altmann, Chief Flight Instructor, Epic Flight Academy
Watch Our “ATOMATOFLAMES” Video!
Why It Matters
This breakdown of 91.205 ensures every aircraft meets the minimum equipment requirements set forth by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). These standards protect pilots, passengers, and others in the airspace system. Mastering the meaning and application of ATOMATOFLAMES and other aviation acronyms is one of the best tips for success on any test, checkride, or real-world flight.
We teach our students that as the Pilot in Command (PIC), it’s their responsibility to keep everyone on board safe. Making sure your aircraft has all the required, functioning equipment greatly reduces the risk of in-flight emergencies.
- Comply with the FAA: Flying without required equipment can result in fines, suspension, or even loss of your pilot certificate.
- Put safety first: Every item serves a purpose, including measuring speed, altitude, or helping others locate you in an emergency.
- Be confident, not cocky: Knowing your aircraft meets FAA standards lets you focus on flying safely.
Knowing when each requirement applies is a key part of a private pilot’s training and demonstrates sound aeronautical decision-making. Imagine a fuel gauge or altimeter failing during flight. A faulty fuel gauge could cause you to run out of fuel, while a broken altimeter could leave you unsure of your altitude. Ensuring your aircraft meets FAA requirements can prevent small problems from becoming serious hazards.
Become an expert in knowing A-TOMATO-FLAMES, FLAPS and GRABCARDD. Review the checklists I’ve shared here and test yourself. Better yet, teach these mnemonics to someone else. As any flight instructor will tell you, the best way to learn something is to try to teach it to someone else!
