Exercise 7 - Climbing

Question 1

Types of Climb - Best Rate (Vy)

Answer 1

• Maximum gain in altitude per unit of time
• Fastest to altitude
• 74 KIAS in C172S

Question 2

Types of Climb - Best Angle (Vx)

Answer 2

• Maximum gain in altitude per unit of distance
• For clearing obstacles
• 62 KIAS in C172S

Question 3

Types of Climb - Normal Climb

Answer 3

• Range of speeds for normal climbs where maximum performance isn’t required
• Good Visibility and engine cooling
• 75-85 KIAS in C172S

Question 4

Types of Climb - Enroute Climb

Answer 4

• Range of speeds for making progress towards destination while climbing
• Often same as normal in low power aircraft
• 75-85 KIAS in C172S

Question 5

Climb Procedure - Entry

Answer 5

• Goes by the acronym CLAPT
  Cockpit Check
• Mixture rich, fuel on/on both
• Gauges Green, carb heat cold
  Lookout
• Around and above
  Attitude
• Pitch up to nose up attitude estimated for desired climb speed
  Power
• As aircraft reaches desired airspeed, apply full power
  Trim
• When power is set and speed established, trim to relieve control pressure

Question 6

Climb Procedure - Maintaining Airspeed

Answer 6

• Attitude + Power = Performance
• Maintain airspeed by adjusting pitch attitude
• Remember to trim

Question 7

Climb Procedure - Maintaining Heading

Answer 7

• Keep wings level with ailerons
• Maintain coordinated flight by keeping the ball centered
• P-factor and Slipstream will be more pronounced

Question 8

Climb Procedure - Maintaining Situational Awareness

Answer 8

• Maintain a watch for traffic
• Monitor your altimeter and rate of climb to be ready to level off
• Lead level off by 10% of vertical speed indicator

Question 9

Climb Procedure - Level Off

Answer 9

• Use the acronym APT
  Attitude
• Pitch down to cruise attitude, allowing aircraft to accelerate
  Power
• As aircraft reaches desired airspeed, set cruise power
  Trim
• When power is set and speed established, trim to relieve control pressure

Question 10

Factors Affecting Climb Performance

Answer 10

• Climb performance is determined by excess
  thrust
• This is a function of the combination of all four forces of flight
• Speed, Flaps, Landing gear, Power setting, Weight, Environment

Question 11

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Speed

Answer 11

• Significant impact on rate and steepness of climb
• If performance matters, must fly correct speed

Question 12

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Flaps

Answer 12

• Add Drag and lift in varying degrees
• Depends on type of flap and flap setting
• Only use flap settings recommended by manufacturer for climbing (Only use if told to by POH)

Question 13

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Landing Gear

Answer 13

• If retractable, reduced drag increases climb performance

Question 14

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Power Setting

Answer 14

• Slight reduction in power can significantly reduce climb performance
• Important to follow POH guidance for maximum performance climbs
• Full throttle, carb heat cold, mixture leaned according to instructions

Question 15

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Weight

Answer 15

• Heavier aircraft will climb at a reduced rate and angle compared to lighter aircraft
• Some light aircraft POH’s include V-speeds for use at different weights

Question 16

Factors Affecting Climb Performance - Environment

Answer 16

• Many environmental factors affect climb performance
• Air density directly affects engine, propeller, and wing efficiency
• Temperature, Humidity, Altitude and environmental pressure
• Wind doesn’t affect climb rate, but changes climb angle, only matters for takeoff and initial climb out

Question 17

Safety When Climbing - Lookout

Answer 17

• Forward Visibility is compromised in a climb, especially at low speeds
• Check carefully for other aircraft
• Lower the nose periodically to check for traffic on extended climbs

Question 18

Safety When Climbing - Engine Health

Answer 18

• Continuous use of full power can cause engines to get very hot
• Limit climbs at very low speeds (Vx) to short durations