Definition
An autopilot mode that maintains a pilot-selected rate of climb or descent, expressed in feet per minute, by automatically adjusting pitch attitude to hold that vertical speed.
Plain English
A setting on the autopilot where you tell the airplane how fast to climb or descend (in feet per minute), and it keeps that rate for you by raising or lowering the nose as needed.
Context Anchor
Seen when using an autopilot to climb, descend, or level off during cruise or instrument flying.
Why Pilots Care
It lets the pilot set a precise climb or descent rate that complies with ATC clearances and avoids altitude overshoots.
Analogy
Like cruise control for up-and-down movement instead of forward speed.
Intuition Check
Vertical speed hold does not hold airspeed. It holds the up-or-down rate; airspeed can still change if power or pitch demand is not managed.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot engaged vertical speed hold at 500 feet per minute to maintain a steady climb to cruise altitude.
Example Sentence 2
With vertical speed hold engaged during descent, the aircraft maintained 800 feet per minute until leveling at the cleared altitude.