Definition
The phase of flight immediately following takeoff in which the airplane is climbing away from the runway environment to a safe maneuvering altitude, typically using a defined pitch attitude, airspeed, and configuration appropriate for the airplane and conditions.
Plain English
The part of the flight just after the wheels leave the ground, where the airplane is climbing up and away from the airport before leveling off or turning on course.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in takeoff planning, after-takeoff procedures, and discussions of what to do just after the airplane becomes airborne.
Derivation
A plain-English compound: 'climb' (go upward) + 'out' (away from where you started). It captures the idea of climbing away from the airport, not just gaining altitude in general.
Why Pilots Care
Proper technique during this segment ensures obstacle clearance and a stable transition to the next phase of flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read climb out as simply “going upward.” In this context, it means the specific early part of flight after liftoff, while departing the runway area.
Example Sentence 1
After lift-off, the pilot held the recommended pitch attitude and airspeed throughout the climb out until reaching pattern altitude.
Example Sentence 2
The checklist calls for a positive rate of climb before retracting the landing gear during climb out.