Definition
The engine power and propeller (RPM) configuration specified by the airplane manufacturer for a routine, sustained climb after takeoff. It is the climb power setting published in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for use once the airplane has cleared any obstacle and is established in the en route climb.
Plain English
The standard throttle and propeller settings the manufacturer tells you to use for a normal climb after takeoff, once you no longer need maximum performance.
Context Anchor
Seen in short-field takeoff procedures during the initial climb, especially after the airplane has cleared an obstacle and transitions from best obstacle-clearance performance to a normal climb.
Derivation
Normal comes from a Latin word meaning “made according to a rule.” In this term, it does not mean casual or approximate; it means the standard climb setup specified for that airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the airplane to climb efficiently, cool the engine, and maintain proper airspeed after the high-power obstacle-clearance phase.
Intuition Check
Do not read “normal” as “whatever I usually do.” Here, normal means the approved climb setup for that specific airplane. Do not read “setting” as one universal knob position; it may involve several controls and the correct climb attitude.
Example Sentence 1
Once clear of the 50-foot obstacle, the pilot lowered the nose slightly and reduced power to the normal climb setting for the remainder of the climb to cruise.
Example Sentence 2
With the normal climb setting selected, the airplane maintained a steady 750 feet per minute while the cylinder head temperatures stabilized.