Definition
The phase of flight in which the airplane is gaining altitude, with the flightpath angled upward relative to the horizon and lift, thrust, weight, and drag balanced to produce a sustained climb.
Plain English
Flying upward — the airplane is going higher rather than flying level or descending.
Context Anchor
Encountered just after liftoff during a normal takeoff, when the airplane changes from leaving the runway to climbing away from it.
Derivation
Climb comes from an old word meaning to move upward by effort. In aviation, that helps because climbing flight is not just pointing the nose up; the airplane is actually moving upward through the air.
Why Pilots Care
Maintaining proper climbing flight ensures obstacle clearance, prevents an inadvertent stall, and establishes a safe climb gradient.
Grounding Statement
In climbing flight, the airplane is both moving forward and increasing its height above the ground.
Intuition Check
Do not assume climbing flight means the nose is simply pointed upward. The airplane must actually be gaining altitude; with too little speed or power, a nose-high airplane may stop climbing or even descend.
Example Sentence 1
After lift-off, the pilot established climbing flight at the recommended airspeed and held that pitch attitude until reaching pattern altitude.
Example Sentence 2
In climbing flight the pilot holds the recommended airspeed to clear obstacles and transition smoothly into the departure climb.