Pilots rely on memory aids to keep essential procedures and safety checks top of mind. Acronyms are a powerful tool for recalling critical steps, documents, and checklists—especially under pressure. In this article, you’ll find the most important acronyms every private pilot should know.
A TOMATO FLAMES
VFR equipment requirements for day flight as per FAR 91.205.
- A - Altimeter
- T - Tachometer
- O - Oil Pressure Gauge
- M - Magnetic Compass
- A - Airspeed Indicator
- T - Temperature Gauge
- O - Oil Temperature Gauge
- F - Fuel Gauge
- L - Landing Gear Indicator
- A - Anti Collision Lights
- M - Manifold Pressure Gauge
- E - Emergency Equipment (Emergency Locator Transmitter)
- S - Seat Belts
ANC
The three priorities for pilots in any situation: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
- A – Aviate
- N – Navigate
- C – Communicate
ARROW
Required aircraft documents that must be on board.
- A - Airworthiness Certificate
- R - Radio Station License (international flights)
- R - Registration Certificate
- O - Operation Limitations
- W - Weight and Balance
AV1ATES
Inspections and checks required to maintain aircraft airworthiness.
- A – Annual inspection
- V – VOR check (30 days)
- 1 – 100 hour inspection (if for hire)
- A – Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
- T – Transponder check (24 months)
- E – ELT (inspected every 12 months, battery replaced at half its lifespan or after one hour of use)
- S – Static system check (24 months)
DECIDE
A decision-making model for pilots to handle in-flight problems.
- D – Detect
- E – Estimate
- C – Choose
- I – Identify
- D – Do
- E – Evaluate
Five C’s
Steps to follow when lost or disoriented in flight.
- Circle
- Confess
- Climb
- Conserve
- Communicate
- Comply
FLAPS
Additional equipment required for VFR night flight.
- F – Fuses (Extra)
- L – Landing Light
- A – Anti-Collision Lights
- P – Position Lights
- S – Source of Power
IM SAFE
A personal checklist for pilot fitness before flight.
- I - Illness
- M - Medication
- S - Stress
- A - Alcohol
- F - Fatigue
- E - Emotions/Eating
NWKRAFT
Preflight planning checklist for pilots.
- N - NOTAMs
- W - Weather
- K - Known Air Traffic Control Delays
- R - Runway Lengths
- A - Alternate Airport
- F - Fuel (enough to reach the destination, plus alternate and 45 minutes at cruising speed)
- T - Takeoff and Landing Distances
PARE
Spin recovery procedure for light aircraft.
- P - Power idle
- A - Aileron level
- R - Rudder opposite to the spin
- E - Elevator forward, gain the speed
PAVE
Risk management checklist for evaluating flight safety.
- P - Pilot (IM SAFE)
- A - Aircraft (ARROW)
- V - EnVironment (Weather, Wind, Airport etc.)
- E - External Pressures
SAFETY
Passenger safety briefing before flight.
- S - Seat Belts
- A - Air Ventilation
- F - Fire Extinguisher
- E - Emergency Procedures
- T - Air Traffic
- Y - “Your Questions”
The 5 P’s
Five key areas to evaluate for risk management during flight.
- P – Plane
- P – Pilot
- P – Plan
- P – Programming
- P – Passengers
Remember, these acronyms are more than just memory aids—they are essential tools for safe and effective flying. Review them regularly and keep them handy in your cockpit or flight bag. Fly safe!