Definition
The vertical speed at which an airplane is gaining altitude, expressed in feet per minute (fpm) and shown on the vertical speed indicator (VSI). Climb rate depends on excess power available beyond what is needed to maintain level flight, and it varies with airspeed, weight, configuration, and density altitude.
Plain English
How quickly the airplane is going up, measured in feet per minute.
Context Anchor
You will see climb rate in climb performance discussions, training maneuvers, and cockpit checks that compare how quickly the airplane is gaining altitude.
Derivation
Climb means to go upward. Rate comes from an older word meaning a measured amount or proportion. Together, climb rate means the measured amount of upward progress over time.
Why Pilots Care
It directly affects obstacle clearance after takeoff, time to reach cruising altitude, fuel planning, and the ability to meet published climb gradients.
Intuition Check
Climb rate does not mean how steep the airplane’s nose looks. It means how much altitude the airplane gains in a given amount of time.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot pitched for best rate of climb and saw a steady 700 fpm climb rate on the VSI.
Example Sentence 2
At best rate of climb speed the airplane delivered a climb rate of 850 feet per minute, allowing it to reach pattern altitude quickly.