Climbing technique
Most light aircraft take off and climb at full throttle (TP 1102 Ex.7). Nose-up attitude cuts forward visibility: fly the climb by airspeed.
| Climb | Speed | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Faster than best-angle (Vx) or best-rate (Vy) speed (see Climb speed selection) | Routine. Better forward visibility. Faster airflow cools engine better at full throttle |
| En route | Any speed between normal climb and normal cruise | No climb time or distance limit: comfort and convenience decide. Power slightly above cruise |
Entering a normal climb (TP 1102 Ex.7):
- Set nose-up attitude estimated to hold climb speed.
- Raise power to climb setting. Steps 1-2: separate, timed movements early on, almost simultaneous with experience.
- When airspeed settles, adjust attitude.
- Recheck power.
- Trim off remaining control pressure.
- On instruments, order fixed: pitch first (climb-descent-entry).
Levelling off:
- Establish normal cruise attitude first.
- Let speed build, without exceeding manufacturer's RPM limit.
- Reduce power.
- Readjust attitude to hold altitude.
- Recheck power.
- Trim.
- Indicated climb speed falls with altitude: see Climb speed correction for altitude.
Retractable gear:
- Retract once established in climb attitude, as soon as safely possible.
- Gear-up: higher climb rate, less distance to height. Most valuable on short-field takeoff over obstacles.
- Expect pitch-up as wheels leave the slipstream.
Trap: levelling off by cutting power first, instead of setting cruise attitude and letting speed build.
References
- TP 1102 Ex.7 Climbing