Plain English Meaning

The speed that lets you gain the most height over the shortest distance along the ground. You climb steeply, which is useful when you need to clear something close by, like trees or a building near the end of the runway.

Full Definition

The airspeed at which an aircraft gains the greatest amount of altitude in the shortest horizontal distance. It produces the steepest climb path relative to the ground, but not the fastest gain in altitude per unit of time.

Context Anchor

Seen in takeoff and climb discussions, especially when the runway is short or an obstacle must be cleared after liftoff.

Derivation

“Angle” comes from older words meaning a corner or bend. Here it points to the steepness of the airplane’s climb path over the ground, not simply how the nose looks. “Best” means the speed that gives the best result for that purpose: altitude gained per distance traveled.