Definition
The vertical speed at which an aircraft is gaining altitude, expressed in feet per minute (fpm). It is shown on the vertical speed indicator and depends on excess power available beyond what is needed for level flight at a given airspeed.
Plain English
How fast the airplane is going up, measured in feet per minute.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft performance charts, climb procedures, and cockpit instruments that show upward or downward movement.
Why Pilots Care
It shows whether the aircraft can clear obstacles and reach required altitudes safely and efficiently.
Grounding Statement
If the airplane is 500 feet higher after one minute, its rate of climb for that minute was 500 feet per minute.
Intuition Check
Rate of climb does not mean how steep the airplane looks or how fast it moves forward. It means altitude gained over time.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot held the best rate of climb airspeed to reach cruise altitude as quickly as possible.
Example Sentence 2
At gross weight on a warm day the trainer's rate of climb dropped below 500 feet per minute.