Definition
The point in flight at which an aircraft levels off after completing its climb and transitions to cruise flight at its planned cruising altitude.
Plain English
The moment the climb ends and you settle into level flight at your chosen cruising altitude.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight planning, navigation displays, and performance calculations that estimate the time, fuel, and distance needed to reach the planned cruise altitude.
Derivation
Combines 'top' meaning the highest point with 'climb' referring to the ascent phase of flight, indicating the conclusion of climbing.
Why Pilots Care
It signals the start of the cruise phase, affecting fuel burn rates, navigation, and coordination with air traffic control.
Grounding Statement
Picture the aircraft taking off, climbing to the chosen altitude, then leveling off; that leveling point is the Top Of Climb.
Intuition Check
“Top” does not mean the highest altitude the aircraft can possibly reach. Here, it means the planned point where the climb phase ends and level flight begins.
Example Sentence 1
At top of climb, the pilot reduced power to cruise setting and leaned the mixture for level flight.
Example Sentence 2
The flight plan estimated top of climb to occur 25 minutes after takeoff.