Definition
A unit of vertical speed expressing how many feet an aircraft climbs or descends in one minute. Displayed on the vertical speed indicator (VSI) and used to set and monitor climb and descent rates.
Plain English
How many feet the aircraft is moving up or down each minute. A reading of 500 fpm climbing means the aircraft is gaining 500 feet of altitude every minute.
Context Anchor
Seen during climbs, descents, and level-offs, especially when using the instrument panel’s vertical-speed indication to judge how quickly altitude is changing.
Why Pilots Care
Precise fpm control prevents altitude overshoots and keeps maneuvers smooth and comfortable.
Intuition Check
Do not read fpm as an altitude. It is a rate: how fast altitude is changing per minute.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot began the level-off about 50 feet before the target altitude, with the VSI showing 500 fpm climb.
Example Sentence 2
A steady climb of 800 fpm was maintained until reaching cruise altitude.