Plain English Meaning
Tables or graphs from the aircraft's handbook that tell you how it will climb (how fast, how much fuel, how long) and how it will cruise (how fast it goes and how much fuel it burns) under specific conditions.
Full Definition
Performance charts found in the Pilot's Operating Handbook that show how the aircraft will perform during the climb and cruise phases of flight. Climb charts give expected rate of climb, time, fuel, and distance to reach a chosen altitude under given conditions. Cruise charts show the power settings, true airspeed, and fuel burn the aircraft will produce at various , , and power settings.