Definition
The airspeed at which an airplane gains the greatest amount of altitude in the shortest amount of time. Designated as V Y, it is the speed that produces the maximum excess of power available over power required, allowing the largest rate of climb in feet per minute.
Plain English
The speed that lets the airplane climb the most feet per minute. Fly at this speed when you want to get up to altitude as quickly as possible.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft performance charts, the pilot's operating handbook, and climb procedures after takeoff.
Derivation
Rate means an amount measured against another amount. In this term, the amount is altitude gained, measured against time, such as feet per minute.
Why Pilots Care
Using this speed gets the aircraft to a safe altitude or assigned level in the shortest time, which can be critical for traffic, weather, or obstacle clearance planning.
Grounding Statement
At this speed, the airplane is in the best balance between forward speed and upward climb for gaining altitude quickly over time.
Intuition Check
Best does not mean best for every situation. Best Rate-Of-Climb Airspeed is about gaining altitude fastest by time; it is not the same as the speed for the steepest climb over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
After lifting off and clearing any obstacles, the pilot pitched for best rate-of-climb airspeed to reach cruising altitude as quickly as possible.
Example Sentence 2
The handbook shows best rate-of-climb airspeed decreases slightly as weight increases.