Definition
The vertical speeds at which an airplane gains altitude during a climb, expressed in feet per minute (fpm). Different climb rates correspond to different airspeeds and pitch attitudes used for specific purposes, such as best angle of climb (Vx), best rate of climb (Vy), and cruise climb.
Plain English
How fast the airplane is going up, measured in feet per minute. The pilot can fly different climb rates depending on whether they need to clear obstacles, gain altitude quickly, or balance climb performance with engine cooling and forward visibility.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff, climb, and performance planning when deciding how quickly the airplane can gain altitude after leaving the runway.
Derivation
Climb means to move upward. Rate means an amount measured against time. Together, climb rates means upward movement measured over time, such as feet gained each minute.
Why Pilots Care
Climb rate determines whether an aircraft can clear obstacles after takeoff and directly affects departure planning and engine-out procedures.
Grounding Statement
If the altimeter is showing the airplane gaining altitude, the climb rate is how quickly that gain is happening.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse climb rate with how steep the airplane looks or feels. Climb rate is about altitude gained over time, not distance covered over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot established a climb rate of about 700 feet per minute on the way to cruising altitude.
Example Sentence 2
At higher density altitudes the published climb rate dropped enough that the pilot chose a different departure route to maintain obstacle clearance.