Definition
The airspeed at which an airplane gains the most altitude in the shortest amount of time. At VY, the difference between the power available and the power required for level flight is greatest, producing the maximum rate of climb in feet per minute.
Plain English
The speed that gets you to a higher altitude in the least amount of time. Fly at VY when you want to climb as quickly as possible measured by the clock.
Context Anchor
Pilots see VY in the aircraft handbook, on performance charts, and during climb procedures after takeoff, go-around, or recovery from an unusual attitude.
Derivation
The 'V' comes from the French 'vitesse,' meaning speed. In aviation, V-speeds are standardized airspeed references, with the subscript letter indicating which speed. The 'Y' has no meaning on its own — it is simply a label that distinguishes this V-speed from others like VX (best angle of climb) or VS (stall speed).
Why Pilots Care
Flying at VY lets a pilot gain altitude efficiently after recovery or in any situation where reaching a safe height quickly matters for safety and airspace compliance.
Intuition Check
Do not read VY as just another climb speed. VY means fastest climb upward over time, not the steepest climb path over the ground.
Example Sentence 1
After lifting off, the pilot pitched for VY to climb to a safe altitude as quickly as possible.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot selected VY on the airspeed indicator to maximize the rate of climb during the practice session.