Definition
The specific indicated airspeed an aircraft is flown at during a climb, selected to produce a desired climb performance such as best rate of climb, best angle of climb, or a normal cruise climb. The recommended climb airspeed for each phase is published in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
Plain English
The airspeed the pilot holds while the aircraft is climbing. Different climb airspeeds give different results -- some get you up fastest, some get you over an obstacle in the shortest distance, and some give a comfortable climb on the way to cruise.
Context Anchor
Seen during climb procedures, instrument flying, and pitch-and-power discussions when the pilot sets the airplane for a steady climb.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct climb airspeed gives the expected climb performance, clears obstacles safely, and keeps the engine properly cooled.
Intuition Check
Climb airspeed does not mean how fast the airplane is going upward. It means the airplane’s forward speed through the air while it is climbing.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot pitched up and trimmed for the published climb airspeed of 90 knots.
Example Sentence 2
Transition to the cruise-climb airspeed once above the traffic pattern altitude.