Whats up With the Clock?

Most legacy aircraft came out of the factory with little round clocks in the panel, although these days theyre largely ignored in favor of the more convenient digital timers. Recall that a way of keeping time is listed among the required equipment for IFR operations-see 14 CFR 91.205(d). Technically, the clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with a sweep-second pointer or digital presentation is supposed to be certified, installed equipment, meaning it has to be the original clock or an approved replacement, and it has to be operational for legal IFR flight.

Key Takeaways:

• A certified, operational clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds is a legal requirement for IFR flight, as per 14 CFR 91.205(d).
• This required clock, whether an original analog unit or integrated into modern digital avionics, must be functional for full compliance.
• The clock holds the same legal status as other essential IFR equipment, like gyros and radios, despite pilots often relying on more convenient digital timers.

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