Plain English Meaning

How steeply the airplane rises compared to how far it moves forward across the ground. A higher number means a steeper climb over the same distance.

Full Definition

The ratio of altitude gained to horizontal distance traveled during a climb, usually expressed as a percentage or in feet per nautical mile. For example, a 200-foot-per-nautical-mile climb gradient equals roughly 3.3 percent.

Context Anchor

Used in takeoff and initial climb planning, especially when checking whether the airplane can clear trees, towers, terrain, or other obstacles after liftoff.

Derivation

From the Latin gradus, meaning 'step' or 'slope.' A is simply the slope of something — here, the slope of the climb path through the to the ground.