Definition
The set of changes shown on the flight instruments when the airplane transitions from level flight into a climb. Typically the airspeed indicator shows a decrease in airspeed, the altimeter shows a steady increase in altitude, the vertical speed indicator shows a positive rate of climb, and the attitude indicator shows the miniature airplane positioned above the horizon line.
Plain English
The way the cockpit instruments look when the airplane is climbing. Speed drops, altitude rises, the vertical speed needle points up, and the nose symbol on the attitude indicator sits above the horizon line.
Context Anchor
Seen when establishing or checking a climb after takeoff, after a level-off, or during any maneuver where the pilot commands the airplane to gain altitude.
Derivation
“Climb” comes from an old word meaning to go upward. “Indication” comes from a Latin word meaning to point out or show. Together, the phrase means the signs that show the airplane is going upward.
Why Pilots Care
Verifies the climb is established and helps the pilot maintain correct airspeed and attitude without sole reliance on outside references.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “climb indications” means only the altimeter moving upward. In this context, it means the whole set of signs that confirm a proper climb: attitude, altitude change, rate of climb, and airspeed.
Example Sentence 1
After raising the nose and adding power, the student cross-checked the climb indications and confirmed a steady 500 feet per minute on the vertical speed indicator.
Example Sentence 2
In simulated instrument conditions the student maintained the climb by referencing the attitude indicator and altimeter climb indications.