Definition
An instrument climb technique initiated from an airspeed already lower than normal cruise, in which the pilot raises the pitch attitude to the climb attitude, applies climb power, and trims to maintain a selected constant airspeed throughout the climb.
Plain English
You are already flying at a slower airspeed, so to start the climb you simply pitch up to the climb attitude, add climb power, trim the airplane, and hold that one airspeed as you climb.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when practicing or performing a climb that begins from level flight at an already stabilized airspeed.
Why Pilots Care
Starting a climb from an already-slow airspeed is smoother and more predictable than from cruise, because the airplane is closer to climb speed and less pitch and trim change is needed. Knowing this technique helps the pilot enter climbs cleanly during instrument procedures without overshooting airspeed or altitude targets.
Intuition Check
Do not read “constant” as meaning everything stays the same. In this maneuver, the airspeed stays the same while the altitude increases. “Established airspeed” means the airplane is already steady at the chosen speed before the climb starts.
Example Sentence 1
After slowing to maneuvering speed, the pilot performed a constant airspeed climb from established airspeed by raising the nose to the climb attitude, adding climb power, and trimming to hold that speed.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument lesson the student practiced a constant airspeed climb from established airspeed to reach the assigned altitude without exceeding the target airspeed.