Definition
A certification performance requirement defining the minimum climb gradient an airplane must demonstrate in the landing configuration (gear down, flaps in the landing position) at the landing climb speed, with the engine(s) at the power available within a specified time after moving the throttle from idle to takeoff power. It establishes the airplane's ability to safely execute a go-around or balked landing from the landing configuration.
Plain English
It's the rule that says: if a pilot decides to abort a landing at the last moment, the airplane — still set up to land — must be able to climb away at a defined minimum rate when full power is applied.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in landing-speed, go-around, and aircraft performance discussions, especially when the handbook explains what the airplane must be able to do close to the ground.
Why Pilots Care
It tells the pilot whether the airplane can safely clear obstacles during a go-around initiated after the landing configuration has been established.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane just above the runway, power coming in, gear and flaps still set for landing, and the airplane beginning to climb instead of touching down.
Intuition Check
Landing climb does not mean climbing during a normal landing. It means climbing away after a landing is discontinued, while the airplane is still in its landing setup.
Example Sentence 1
The airplane's landing climb performance ensures it can climb away safely if the pilot decides to go around late on final approach.
Example Sentence 2
The handbook notes that landing climb performance must meet certification standards even at maximum landing weight.