Definition
A climb performed with the throttle (and propeller control, if applicable) set to the maximum power allowed by the aircraft's operating limitations, used to gain altitude at the highest practical rate.
Plain English
A climb where you push the throttle all the way forward — to the most power the aircraft is allowed to use — to climb as quickly as the airplane can manage.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument flying when entering a straight climb from level flight and setting the aircraft up to climb while watching the flight instruments.
Why Pilots Care
Delivers the maximum available climb performance for terrain clearance or to reach a safe altitude quickly after takeoff or during an instrument departure.
Grounding Statement
In a full power climb, the engine supplies the power, but the pilot still sets the nose to keep the airplane climbing at the correct speed.
Intuition Check
Full power does not mean the airplane should be forced upward as steeply as possible. It means approved maximum engine power is being used, while the climb is still controlled by the correct nose position and airspeed.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot maintained a full power climb until reaching 1,000 feet above the airport.
Example Sentence 2
The instrument departure called for a full power climb until reaching two thousand feet.