Definition
A reference table that converts a required missed approach climb gradient (expressed in feet per nautical mile) into a required rate of climb (expressed in feet per minute) at various ground speeds. It allows a pilot to determine whether the aircraft can meet the published climb gradient for a missed approach at the ground speed being flown.
Plain English
A chart that tells you how many feet per minute you need to climb to satisfy the missed approach climb requirement, based on how fast you are moving over the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen when briefing an instrument approach, especially when the missed approach requires a climb steeper than the normal standard climb.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms the aircraft can meet the published climb performance needed to clear obstacles when executing a missed approach.
Analogy
Think of walking up a ramp. If you move forward faster, you must rise faster to stay on the same ramp angle. The table does that same conversion for an airplane.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the table says what your airplane can do. It only says what climb rate is required at a given speed; you still must compare that requirement with your aircraft’s actual performance.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the approach, the pilot used the missed approach climb rate table to confirm the aircraft could achieve 600 feet per minute at the planned ground speed.
Example Sentence 2
When actual climb performance was marginal, the crew cross-checked the missed approach climb rate table before accepting the approach clearance.