Definition
An engine power rating that permits the use of maximum takeoff or climb power for a limited duration of five minutes, typically applied to turbine engines during the initial climb phase after takeoff. After the five-minute interval, power must be reduced to a lower continuous rating to stay within engine limitations.
Plain English
It's the highest power setting the engine is allowed to run at, but only for five minutes — long enough to get safely up and away after takeoff. After that, you have to ease it back to a setting the engine can handle for longer.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying practice when a pilot is learning to control a climb by watching the attitude, airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed indications.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a reliable method to regain or maintain safe altitude when primary flight instruments fail.
Intuition Check
A 5-minute climb does not mean the airplane reaches a certain altitude in five minutes. It means the climb lasts for five minutes; the altitude gained depends on the rate of climb.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the crew used the 5-minute climb rating to clear the terrain, then reduced to maximum continuous power.
Example Sentence 2
With the altimeter inoperative, the pilot executed a 5-minute climb at a constant power setting to reach the minimum vectoring altitude.