Definition
A specific engine power setting used during the climb phase of flight, typically higher than cruise power but, in many aircraft, lower than full takeoff power. The exact value is published in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) and is set using throttle (and propeller and mixture controls where fitted) to produce the manufacturer's recommended power output for sustained climbing.
Plain English
The amount of engine power the manufacturer tells you to use while climbing. It is usually a strong setting, but not always the maximum, and it is held steady throughout the climb.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff, climb, and power-on stall training, where the airplane is set up to act like it is climbing away from the runway.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the thrust needed to climb away from the ground or recover from a stall without losing altitude.
Intuition Check
Climb power does not mean any power setting that happens to make the airplane go up. It means the selected engine setting used for a climb, normally the one called for by the handbook or instructor.
Example Sentence 1
After establishing a positive rate of climb, the pilot reduced the throttle from takeoff power to climb power as called for in the POH.
Example Sentence 2
Once established in the climb, the pilot verified climb power was set and adjusted the pitch attitude for the target airspeed.