Definition
Specific airspeeds published by the airplane manufacturer for use during the climb phase of flight, each chosen to deliver a particular performance result. The most common are V_Y (best rate of climb — the speed that produces the greatest gain in altitude per unit of time), V_X (best angle of climb — the speed that produces the greatest gain in altitude per unit of horizontal distance), and the en route or cruise climb speed (a higher speed used for better engine cooling, forward visibility, and passenger comfort once obstacles are cleared).
Plain English
The exact airspeeds the airplane is supposed to be flown at while climbing, depending on what you need most: altitude gained quickly, altitude gained in a short distance, or a steady comfortable climb to cruise.
Context Anchor
Seen during takeoff planning, after liftoff, and any time the pilot sets up a climb.
Why Pilots Care
Using the correct climb speed ensures obstacle clearance, prevents engine overheating, and delivers the performance needed for safe departure.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a faster climb speed always gives a better climb. The right climb speed depends on what the pilot needs: obstacle clearance, best altitude gain, cooling, visibility, or normal procedure.
Example Sentence 1
After liftoff, the pilot held V_Y until reaching a safe altitude, then transitioned to a cruise climb speed for better engine cooling.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor had the student maintain Vy until reaching pattern altitude before leveling off.