FAA Mnemonics Every Sport Pilot Should Know
The mnemonics that matter for sport pilots — ATOMATOFLAMES, GRABCARD, FLAPS, IMSAFE. Plus context for when they apply.
The DPE will ask. The knowledge test will ask. Here are the mnemonics worth memorizing, with sport pilot context.
ATOMATOFLAMES — Day VFR equipment (§91.205(b))
Required equipment for day VFR flight:
- Airspeed indicator
- Tachometer (for each engine)
- Oil pressure gauge
- Manifold pressure (each altitude engine)
- Altimeter
- Temperature gauge (each liquid-cooled engine)
- Oil temperature (each air-cooled engine)
- Fuel gauge (each tank)
- Landing gear position indicator (if retract)
- Anti-collision lights
- Magnetic compass
- ELT
- Seat belts
Sport pilots fly day VFR, so this is your baseline.
FLAPS — Add night VFR equipment (§91.205(c))
To the ATOMATOFLAMES list, add for night:
- Fuses (one spare set or 3 of each kind)
- Landing light (if for hire)
- Anti-collision lights
- Position lights
- Source of power (alternator/generator)
Sport pilots do not fly at night, so FLAPS is mainly for the test.
GRABCARD — IFR equipment (§91.205(d))
To VFR day/night, add for IFR:
- Generator or alternator
- Radios (appropriate for facilities used)
- Attitude indicator
- Ball (turn coordinator with inclinometer)
- Clock (with seconds)
- Altimeter (sensitive, adjustable)
- Rate of turn indicator
- DG (directional gyro)
Sport pilots don't fly IFR. Test material only.
IMSAFE — Personal minimums checklist
Self-certify before every flight:
- Illness
- Medication
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Fatigue
- Eating / Emotion
This one matters every flight, not just on the test.
PAVE — Risk assessment
- Pilot (you)
- Aircraft (airworthiness)
- enV**ironment (weather, terrain, airspace)
- External pressures (get-there-itis)
Useful framework for go/no-go decisions.
5 P's — In-flight ADM
- Plan
- Plane
- Pilot
- Passenger
- Programming (avionics)
Run this loop at every checkpoint.
NWKRAFT — Required preflight planning (§91.103)
- NOTAMs
- Weather
- Known traffic delays
- Runway lengths required
- Alternates
- Fuel requirements
- Takeoff and landing distance data
Worth memorizing vs worth knowing
Memorize: IMSAFE, PAVE, ATOMATOFLAMES (for the test).
Internalize: NWKRAFT and the 5 P's — they're how you operate as a pilot.