What flight/engine instruments do we really need?

[Dana]

There can be no "opinions" on this, as CFR 14 Part 91.205(b) is very clear as to what instruments are "needed" for day VFR flight. See:

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Gu...tLookup/91.205

for the 10 instruments required. It's not that they're "expected" to be there - they're required by law.

91.205 only applies to aircraft with standard category airworthiness certificates, not experimentals.