Definition
A flight maneuver in which the aircraft gains altitude, transitioning from a lower altitude to a higher one through increased pitch and power.
Plain English
Going up. The aircraft is moving to a higher altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviations, flight planning notes, performance discussions, and sometimes shortened operational text where space is limited.
Derivation
Climb comes from an old English word meaning to go upward. In aviation, the same basic idea applies, but the aircraft is gaining height through flight rather than by physical climbing.
Why Pilots Care
Climb instructions from ATC must be read back and complied with promptly. Misreading 'CMB' as a different instruction could lead to an altitude deviation.
Grounding Statement
In a climb, the aircraft is gaining altitude, not just pointing upward.
Intuition Check
Do not assume climb only means the nose is pointed up. In aviation, the important point is that the aircraft is actually gaining altitude.
Example Sentence 1
The clearance read 'CMB and maintain 6000,' so the pilot increased power and pitched up to gain altitude.
Example Sentence 2
During the climb the aircraft maintained a constant airspeed and rate of ascent.