Definition
A unit of vertical speed expressing how many feet the airplane gains or loses in altitude over one minute. Positive values indicate a climb, negative values indicate a descent. FPM is the standard unit displayed on the vertical speed indicator (VSI) and used in published climb and descent performance figures.
Plain English
How many feet up or down the airplane is moving each minute. A reading of 500 means the airplane is climbing or descending 500 feet every minute.
Context Anchor
Seen when establishing a climb, checking climb performance, or reading the vertical speed indicator, the cockpit instrument that shows how fast the aircraft is climbing or descending.
Why Pilots Care
Specific FPM targets ensure obstacle clearance, compliance with ATC clearances, and controlled energy management.
Intuition Check
FPM is not forward speed. It tells how fast altitude is changing, not how fast the airplane is moving across the ground.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the airplane established a steady climb at 700 FPM toward the assigned altitude.
Example Sentence 2
ATC instructed a descent at 800 FPM to meet the crossing restriction.