Definition
A flight maneuver in which the airplane gains altitude while simultaneously turning, combining the demands of a climb (higher angle of attack, reduced airspeed, increased power) with those of a turn (bank angle and coordinated rudder use). Because the airplane is turning, the wings produce less vertical lift than in a straight climb, so the rate of climb is lower than it would be wings-level at the same power and airspeed.
Plain English
Going up and turning at the same time. The airplane climbs slower while it's banked than it would if you flew straight up the same way, because some of the wing's lifting force is being used to pull the airplane around the turn.
Context Anchor
Used during basic flight training, after takeoff, during climbout, and any time a pilot needs to change direction while gaining altitude.
Why Pilots Care
Climbing turns let pilots gain altitude and change heading at the same time, which is required for efficient departures and avoiding obstacles or traffic.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a climbing turn as just a normal level turn with the nose slightly higher. The airplane is dividing its performance between going up and changing direction, so airspeed, pitch, and bank angle matter together.
Example Sentence 1
After lift-off, the pilot established a climbing turn to the left to join the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern.
Example Sentence 2
In the traffic pattern the student practiced climbing turns at a constant 15-degree bank while holding best-rate speed.