Definition
An instrument climb technique in which the pilot, while in level cruise flight, raises the pitch attitude to begin a climb and simultaneously adjusts power as needed to hold a chosen climb airspeed constant. The aircraft transitions from cruise into a climb without first reducing to a slower climb speed, and the selected airspeed (often cruise climb speed) is then maintained throughout the climb by pitch and power coordination.
Plain English
You're flying along at cruise speed and you want to start climbing while keeping your speed steady. You raise the nose just enough to start going up, and add power as needed, so the airspeed stays the same the whole way up.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying practice when changing from level cruise flight to a straight climb while watching the flight instruments.
Derivation
Constant comes from a Latin word meaning “to stand firm.” In this term, it points to the key idea: the airspeed stays steady while the airplane changes altitude.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains predictable climb performance and prevents airspeed excursions that could lead to stalls or excessive speed in instrument conditions.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane leaving level flight and climbing while the airspeed needle stays on the same number.
Intuition Check
Constant does not mean the nose position or power never changes. It means the airspeed is the thing being held steady during the climb.
Example Sentence 1
Level at 6,000 feet, the pilot initiated a constant airspeed climb from cruise airspeed, raising the nose and adding power to hold 110 knots all the way up to 8,000 feet.
Example Sentence 2
During the constant airspeed climb from cruise airspeed the altimeter rose steadily while the airspeed indicator remained fixed at the cruise value.