Definition
The subsection of Federal Aviation Regulations that lists the minimum instruments and equipment that must be installed and operational in a powered civil aircraft for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR). It builds on the daytime VFR list in 91.205(b) and the nighttime VFR list in 91.205(c) of the prior version — in the current rule, paragraph (d) covers IFR equipment. (Pilots commonly memorize the IFR list using the acronym GRABCARD: Generator/alternator, Radios, Altimeter (sensitive, adjustable), Ball (slip/skid indicator), Clock, Attitude indicator, Rate-of-turn indicator, Directional gyro.)
Plain English
It is the part of the regulations that tells you exactly which instruments and equipment your airplane must have working before you can legally fly it in the clouds or under instrument flight rules.
Context Anchor
You will see this citation when checking whether an airplane is properly equipped for night VFR operations.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 91 contains the General Operating and Flight Rules that apply to almost all civil aircraft. Section 91.205 is the specific rule about required instruments and equipment, and the lettered subsections break it down by type of operation (VFR day, VFR night, IFR, and so on).
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must confirm their aircraft meets these requirements before flight to maintain legal compliance and ensure they have the essential tools for safe visual navigation and altitude awareness.
Analogy
Think of the citation like an address in the FAA rulebook. “14 CFR part 91 section 91.205(c)” tells you exactly where to find the night VFR equipment requirement.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as an airplane part or a checklist item by itself. It is a legal reference that points to the FAA rule describing the required night VFR equipment.
Example Sentence 1
Before filing the IFR flight plan, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR part 91 section 91.205 to confirm every required instrument was installed and working.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student that an airplane lacking a working magnetic compass would not satisfy 14 CFR part 91 section 91.205(c) for a daytime VFR flight.