What must you carry to fly practice instrument approaches in VMC?

To fly practice instrument approaches in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), regulations allow a pilot to operate in the airspace while still making use of instrument flight rules for training purposes. Carrying a competent observer is essential in this context, as the observer is there to assist the pilot with monitoring the flight and ensuring safety during the approach. This observer should be a qualified individual who is familiar with the procedures and can help maintain situational awareness while the pilot practices their instrument skills.

In contrast, while it may be beneficial to have other items like a flight plan, a second radio, or extra fuel, these are not strictly required when practicing instrument approaches in VMC. A flight plan is generally advisable for any flight, but the regulation specifically emphasizes the need for an observer in this context. Similarly, while some scenarios may benefit from having a second radio for redundancy or added communication capability, this is not a mandated requirement for practicing instrument approaches in VMC. Extra fuel can always enhance safety margins but is not a regulatory requirement for engaging in these specific practice maneuvers.