Definition
A climb conducted at cruise power settings, typically used after the initial climb has been completed and accomplished at speeds and power settings approved for long-range and economical operations. It produces a shallower climb angle and higher airspeed than a normal or maximum-rate climb.
Plain English
A gentle, fuel-efficient climb done at the same power setting used for cruising. The aircraft gains altitude slowly while still moving forward quickly, instead of climbing as steeply or as fast as possible.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight planning, performance discussions, and air traffic control contexts where an aircraft may climb gradually rather than level off at one altitude right away.
Derivation
‘Cruise’ comes from the Dutch ‘kruisen’, meaning to cross or travel steadily. Combined with ‘climb’, the term describes climbing while continuing to travel at cruise speed and power, rather than pausing the cruise to climb aggressively.
Why Pilots Care
Gives predictable performance numbers for fuel and time planning and reduces the need for repeated power changes during long climbs.
Grounding Statement
Picture an airplane holding steady power on a long leg: as fuel burns off, the same power can carry the lighter airplane a little higher.
Intuition Check
Do not read “cruise climb” as normal level cruise. The aircraft is still climbing, but it is doing it gradually while continuing along the route.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off briefly at 8,000 feet, the pilot requested a cruise climb to 12,000 to take advantage of better winds aloft.
Example Sentence 2
During the cruise climb the vertical speed indicator showed a steady drop from 600 to 250 feet per minute.