In article , Marco Leon wrote:

I agree that many--if not most--of the IFR avionics are not necessary for
VFR. I got that. Do you not check any of the non-essential avionics before a
VFR flight?

I usually fly a 1945 Aeronca Champ. The only instruments I have are
airspeed, tach, altimeter, compass, oil temperature, oil pressure and
fuel indicator. If I have a radio, it is a handheld comm and gps. The
airplane has no electrical system nor starter. Because of battery life
in the handhelds, they may be used for takeoff and/or landing and
turned off for enroute. Depending on the terrain, a sectional will give
me more information than the gps. GPS is good for distance, but at the
altitudes I fly at, I usually have to fly around terrain.

Maybe it's because I own the aircraft I fly and I would like to know what is
and what is not working. I am also based at an airport under New York Mode C
Veil. However, even on a rental I would want to know if anything is inop.
Wouldn't you?

Depends on what I am renting, terrain I will be flying over and
forecast weather. As long as the fan out front keeps turning, I stay
cool. It all depends on what type flying you are doing as to what
equipment you need operational.