Definition
The angle between the airplane's longitudinal axis and the horizon when the airplane is established in a climb, with the nose held above the horizon to produce a steady climb at a target airspeed and power setting.
Plain English
How high the nose is held above the horizon during a climb. The pilot picks a specific nose-up angle and keeps it there so the airplane climbs steadily at the right speed.
Context Anchor
Used during takeoff, go-arounds, and normal climbs when the pilot sets the nose position and then checks whether the airplane is climbing at the intended speed.
Derivation
Pitch' here refers to rotation about the airplane's lateral (wing-to-wing) axis, raising or lowering the nose. 'Attitude' comes from the Italian 'attitudine' meaning posture or position. Together they describe the airplane's nose-up posture during a climb, not how it feels emotionally.
Why Pilots Care
The correct climb pitch attitude produces the target airspeed and rate of climb while keeping the airplane safely above stall speed.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane just after liftoff: the pilot holds the nose at a steady height above the horizon so the airplane climbs at the intended speed.
Intuition Check
Do not read attitude as mood or behavior. In this term, attitude means the airplane’s nose position compared with the horizon; climb pitch attitude means the nose position used while climbing.
Example Sentence 1
After liftoff, the pilot established the climb pitch attitude and confirmed the airspeed settled on Vy.
Example Sentence 2
In turbulence the pilot makes small adjustments to hold the same climb pitch attitude and avoid airspeed fluctuations.