Definition
An ATC clearance instruction that requires a pilot to comply with the published altitude restrictions, lateral path, and speed restrictions depicted on a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) or published climb procedure. When issued without further qualification, the pilot climbs to and maintains the published top altitude of the procedure, observing every charted altitude and speed restriction along the way.
Plain English
ATC is telling you to fly the climb exactly as it's drawn on the chart -- follow the route, hit every altitude window, and respect every speed limit shown, all the way up to the top altitude printed on the procedure.
Context Anchor
Heard in instrument departure clearances, usually just before takeoff or shortly after departure.
Derivation
Climb means to go upward. Via comes from Latin and means "by way of" or "by means of." Together, Climb Via means to climb by following a named procedure, not just by climbing however you choose.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures terrain clearance, noise abatement, and traffic separation are maintained while complying with the designed departure path.
Intuition Check
Do not read Climb Via as simply "start climbing." It means climb while following the published route, altitude limits, and speed limits tied to the departure procedure.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the controller said, "N123AB, climb via the SID," so we followed each charted altitude and speed restriction up to the published top altitude.
Example Sentence 2
After takeoff the tower said climb via the published procedure to keep us below the arrival traffic.