Plain English Meaning

The way of climbing that gets the airplane the highest in the shortest distance across the ground, even though it takes longer to reach a given altitude than a normal climb.

Full Definition

The flight condition that produces the greatest gain in altitude over the shortest horizontal distance, flown at the airspeed known as Vx. It is achieved by the airspeed at which the difference between thrust available and thrust required is greatest.

Context Anchor

Seen during short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb discussions, especially when clearing trees, wires, or other obstacles after liftoff.