Definition
The airspeed at which an aircraft is flown during a climb, selected to achieve a specific climb performance objective such as best rate of climb, best angle of climb, or a cruise climb. The published or recommended climbing speed for a given aircraft is found in the Pilot's Operating Handbook and is used as the target indicated airspeed once the climb is established.
Plain English
The speed the pilot holds the aircraft at while it is climbing. Different climbing speeds give different results — some give the fastest gain in altitude over time, others give the steepest path over the ground, and others are easier on the engine during a long climb.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when setting up and holding a straight climb, especially while using the flight instruments to keep the airplane stable.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the climb safe and efficient without losing speed or exceeding limits.
Intuition Check
Climbing speed does not mean how fast the airplane is going upward. It means the airspeed you hold while the airplane is climbing.
Example Sentence 1
After lift-off, the pilot pitched up to establish the published climbing speed of 79 knots and trimmed to hold it.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot trims to hold the climbing speed throughout the ascent.