Air Exercise 7 – Climbing
Lesson ID: LS-AIREX-07.01


Stage: Incubation


Phase: Early PTR


Estimated Time: 1.0–1.5 Flight Hours


Prerequisite: Air Exercise 6 – Straight-and-Level Flight


Next Lesson: Air Exercise 8 – Descending
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Objective of Air Exercise 7

The purpose of this exercise is to introduce the principles and techniques of climbing flight.
A climb is much more than simply raising the nose. The aircraft must be flown at the correct attitude, with the correct power setting, while maintaining coordination and the desired climb speed.
Students begin learning that every climb is a compromise between:
● Altitude gained
● Time
● Distance
● Engine performance
● Visibility
● Aircraft cooling
● Obstacle clearance
This lesson introduces the concept that different climb profiles exist because different operational situations demand different priorities.
The goal is to move from:
“I can make the airplane go up.”
to
“I can select and maintain the correct climb for the situation.”
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What Is a Climb?

A climb is a controlled manoeuvre where the aircraft gains altitude while maintaining positive control.
A proper climb requires balancing:
● Pitch attitude
● Power
● Airspeed
● Coordination
● Trim
● Lookout
Altitude is gained because engine power produces excess thrust beyond what is required for straight-and-level flight.
The pilot converts that excess power into vertical performance.
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The Big Idea
Attitude controls climb attitude.
Power determines available performance.
Airspeed determines which type of climb you achieve.
Everything else is refinement.
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Why Aircraft Climb

Whenever engine power exceeds that required to maintain level flight, the aircraft has excess performance available.
The pilot can use this extra performance to:
● Gain altitude
● Accelerate
● Or a combination of both
Choosing the correct climb speed determines how efficiently that excess performance is used.
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The Four Types of Climb

Best Rate of Climb (Vy)
Best rate of climb gains the greatest altitude in the shortest time.
Typical uses:
● Normal departures
● Reaching cruising altitude quickly
● General operations
Characteristics
● Highest feet per minute
● Efficient engine cooling
● Good forward visibility
● Normally recommended after takeoff
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Best Angle of Climb (Vx)
Best angle of climb gains the greatest altitude in the shortest horizontal distance.
Used for:
● Obstacle clearance
● Short runways
● Terrain avoidance
Characteristics
● Steeper nose attitude
● Lower airspeed
● Reduced engine cooling
● Poorer forward visibility
Once obstacles are cleared, transition to Vy unless another climb profile is required.
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Normal Climb
The normal climb is the climb most commonly used during training and routine operations.
It sacrifices a small amount of climb performance in exchange for:
● Better visibility
● Better engine cooling
● Better passenger comfort
● Lower pilot workload
This is usually the climb demonstrated during early flight training.
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En-route Climb
Once clear of obstacles, many aircraft climb at a higher airspeed.
Benefits include:
● Improved visibility
● Better engine cooling
● Greater passenger comfort
● Faster cruise acceleration
Although climb rate decreases slightly, overall efficiency often improves.

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Cruise Climb Attitude
Each aircraft has a recognizable climb picture.
Students should learn to recognize:
● Horizon position
● Nose attitude
● Wing position
● Engine sound
● Control pressures Eventually this picture becomes almost automatic. Good pilots spend far more time looking outside than inside.

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Visual Memory Aid — The APT Building

Think of climbing as walking up to your apartment.
At the bottom of the building stands your friend Pat.
Your destination is your APT.
As you climb the stairs, remember:
A → P → T
🏢 APT = Attitude • Power • Trim
1. Attitude – Place the aircraft in the correct climb attitude using the outside horizon.
2. Power – Add the climb power required for the desired performance.
3. Trim – Remove control pressure so the aircraft maintains the climb comfortably.
The building reminds you that climbing is always about going up to APT.
Every climb follows the same simple sequence:
Attitude → Power → Trim
Remember:
Attitude sets the climb.
Power provides the performance.
Trim makes it effortless.

● Exercise 7 (Climb): Walk up to the APT building (Attitude → Power → Trim).
● Exercise 8 (Descent): Walk down to PAT (Power → Attitude → Trim).

Establishing the Climb

A smooth climb follows a logical sequence.
Maintain directional control with rudder.
Raise the nose smoothly.
Establish the desired climb ATTITUDE.
Apply climb POWER.
Trim the aircraft.
Confirm climb speed.
TRIM.

Scan outside first, instruments second.
Large corrections usually create oscillations.
Small corrections produce smooth climbs.

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Learning the Climb Attitude

Before a climb becomes automatic, the student must first learn the correct climb attitude.
Every aircraft has a specific outside picture that produces the desired climb performance.
With the correct pitch attitude and climb power set, the aircraft naturally settles at its expected climb speed.
This demonstrates one of the most important principles in flying:
Attitude + Power = Performance
Rather than chasing the airspeed indicator, the pilot should first establish the correct outside attitude.
Once the aircraft is placed in the known climb attitude, the appropriate climb power is applied.
As the aircraft stabilizes, trim is adjusted to remove control pressure.

The student should learn to recognize:
● The position of the nose relative to the horizon
● The normal climb attitude for the aircraft
● The airspeed produced by that attitude and power combination
● The amount of right rudder required
● The feel of a properly trimmed aircraft

With practice, the climb becomes predictable rather than reactive.

The APT Sequence
Throughout this exercise, use the simple memory aid:
APT
A — Attitude
Establish the known climb attitude using the outside visual picture.
P — Power
Apply the appropriate climb power. The selected attitude and power together determine the aircraft’s performance.
T — Trim
Once the aircraft is stabilized, trim away the control pressure so the aircraft maintains the climb comfortably.

Remember:
Attitude sets the performance target.
Power provides the energy.
Trim removes the workload.
As confidence develops, the pilot will begin to recognize the correct climb attitude immediately, making climbs smooth, accurate, and consistent without chasing the instruments.

Maintaining the Climb

Once stabilized:
Monitor:
● Airspeed
● Altitude trend
● Vertical speed
● Engine instruments
● Heading
● Coordination
● Outside references
● Traffic
Avoid chasing individual instruments.
Fly the attitude first.
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Effect of Air Density

Aircraft performance decreases as density altitude increases.
Performance decreases when:
● Altitude increases
● Temperature increases
● Humidity increases
High density altitude causes:
● Longer takeoff rolls
● Reduced climb rate
● Reduced engine performance
● Reduced propeller efficiency
● Reduced wing performance
A climb that performs well on a cool winter morning may perform very differently on a hot summer afternoon.
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Flaps During Climb

After takeoff:
Retract flaps according to the Aircraft Flight Manual.
Leaving flaps extended:
● Increases drag
● Reduces climb performance
● Reduces climb rate
Always maintain a safe airspeed during flap retraction.
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Landing Gear

On retractable aircraft:
Retract landing gear as recommended.
Landing gear creates significant parasite drag.
Retracting the gear improves climb performance considerably.
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Carburetor Heat

On aircraft equipped with carburetors:
Carburetor heat may reduce available engine power.
When icing conditions require carb heat:
● Maintain climb airspeed
● Accept a slightly reduced climb rate
Follow the Aircraft Flight Manual.
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Engine Cooling

High power and low airspeed reduce engine cooling.
Extended climbs require monitoring:
● Cylinder head temperatures
● Oil temperature
● Engine limitations
If necessary:
Lower the nose slightly to improve cooling.
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Climbing Turns

A climbing aircraft may also turn.
Remember:
Bank increases load factor.
Additional back pressure may be required to maintain climb attitude.
Maintain coordinated flight throughout.
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Lookout During Climb

Visibility decreases as the nose rises.
Use gentle heading changes during prolonged climbs when appropriate.
Continue an effective lookout.
Remember:
See and Avoid never stops.
It is acceptable in some cases to lower the nose momentarily for better situational awareness or traffic awareness.
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What Can You Expect In This Exercise?

During this lesson your instructor may demonstrate:
● Transition from cruise to climb
● Vy climb
● Vx climb
● Normal climb
● En-route climb
● Trim use
● Power changes
● Climbing turns
● Density altitude effects
● Engine cooling considerations
● Visual climb attitude
● Instrument cross-check
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Common Mistakes

Students often:
● Being too aggressive on the controls
● Climbing too slowly
● Not memorizing the needed nose up attitude for vx and vy
● Chasing the instruments
● Forgetting right rudder
● Over-controlling pitch
● Forgetting trim or carb heat
● Looking inside too much
● Poor lookout
● Delaying flap retraction
● Allowing airspeed to decay
● Confusing Vy with Vx
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Why Does This Matter?

Nearly every flight includes multiple climbs.
A pilot who cannot establish and maintain a stable climb will struggle with:
● Circuit work
● Airspeed stability
● Instrument flying
● Obstacle clearance
● Engine management
● Passenger comfort
Learning to climb correctly develops smooth aircraft handling and teaches the pilot to manage aircraft performance rather than simply moving the controls.
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Key Takeaways

● A climb is controlled aircraft performance—not simply raising the nose.
● Pitch establishes climb attitude.
● Power provides climb performance.
● Airspeed determines the type of climb.
● Vy provides the greatest altitude gained in the shortest time.
● Vx provides the greatest altitude gained in the shortest distance.
● Normal climbs balance performance, visibility, and engine cooling.
● En-route climbs improve comfort, ground speed and efficiency.
● Trim removes unnecessary control pressure.
● Fly the outside picture first and then confirm with instruments.
● Small corrections produce smooth climbs.
● Good climbs are coordinated climbs.
● Density altitude significantly affects climb performance.
● Good judgment means selecting the correct climb profile for the situation.
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Exercise Summary

Exercise Number: Air Exercise 7
Exercise Name: Climbing
Role: Early PTR Flight Student
Goal: Learn to establish, maintain, and transition between the four primary climb profiles while controlling attitude, power, airspeed, trim, coordination, and lookout to achieve safe and efficient aircraft performance.
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ALBATROSS KNOWLEDGE GRAPH METADATA
Version 4.1

IDENTITY

Content ID:
LS-PT-AE07-001
Content Type Code:
LS
Domain Code:
PT
Topic Code:
AE07
Sequence Number:
001
Knowledge Node ID:
KG-PT-AE07-CLIMBING
Knowledge Family:
Aircraft Performance Management
Entity Type:
Flight Training Lesson
Lesson Title / Content Title:
Air Exercise 7 – Climbing
Short Title:
Climbing
Canonical Topic:
Climbing Flight
Alternative Topic Names:
● Climb
● Climbing
● Climb Performance
● Aircraft Climb
● Vy Climb
● Vx Climb
● Best Rate Climb
● Best Angle Climb
● Normal Climb
● En-route Climb
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CLASSIFICATION

Domain:
Pilot Training
Subdomain:
Basic Aircraft Handling
Category:
Air Exercises
Audience:
Student Pilot
Jurisdiction:
Canada — Transport Canada
Training System:
Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence
Certification Context:
Private Pilot Licence – Aeroplane
Stage:
Incubation
Phase:
Early PTR
Training Level:
Execution
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CORE KNOWLEDGE

Primary Concept

A climb is a controlled aircraft performance manoeuvre that converts excess engine power into altitude while maintaining the desired climb speed, coordination, and aircraft control.
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Plain-Language Definition

A climb is how a pilot safely gains altitude by using the correct combination of power, pitch, trim, and airspeed.
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Technical Definition

Climbing flight is established whenever thrust exceeds drag sufficiently to allow the aircraft to gain altitude while maintaining controlled flight at a selected climb speed.
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Key Principles

● Power creates climb capability.
● Pitch establishes climb attitude.
● Airspeed determines climb performance.
● Trim reduces pilot workload.
● Coordination minimizes drag.
● Every climb is a compromise between time, distance, cooling, and visibility.
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Underlying Theory

● Four Forces of Flight
● Excess Power
● Excess Thrust
● Angle of Attack
● Induced Drag
● Aircraft Performance
● Density Altitude
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Why It Matters

Proper climb technique directly affects obstacle clearance, aircraft performance, passenger comfort, engine cooling, fuel efficiency, and overall flight safety.
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Content Role

Explains and develops the learner’s understanding of climbing flight and introduces climb performance management.
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LEARNING FRAMEWORK

Learning Outcome

By the end of this lesson the learner should be able to establish, maintain, and transition between normal climb, Vy, Vx, and en-route climb while maintaining coordinated aircraft control.
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Core Competencies

● Aircraft attitude control
● Performance management
● Trim management
● Rudder coordination
● Instrument scan
● Outside visual references
● Decision making
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Performance Standard

Student maintains:
● Selected climb speed ±10 knots
● Heading ±10°
● Coordinated flight
● Stable climb attitude
● Appropriate trim
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Prerequisites
● Air Exercise 6 – Straight-and-Level Flight
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Required Prior Knowledge
● Aircraft attitude
● Power settings
● Primary flight controls
● Trim
● Straight-and-level flight
● Basic lookout
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Common Student Errors
● Pitching too high
● Climbing too slowly
● Climbing too fast
● Forgetting trim
● Forgetting rudder
● Chasing the VSI
● Poor lookout
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Common Misconceptions
● Pulling harder makes the airplane climb better.
● Vertical speed is controlled directly by elevator.
● Vy and Vx are interchangeable.
● Maximum power alone guarantees the best climb.
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Frequently Asked Questions
● What’s the difference between Vy and Vx?
● Why does climb performance decrease in summer?
● Why is right rudder needed?
● Why trim during climbs?
● Why is visibility reduced?
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Instructor Emphasis
Teach attitude first.
Power supports the attitude.
Airspeed confirms the result.
Trim out pressure once stablized
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OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

Operational Link
Every departure includes a climb.
Proper climb management affects obstacle clearance, engine health, and aircraft performance.
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Real-World Applications
● Takeoff
● Obstacle departure
● Mountain flying
● Cross-country
● IFR departures
● Emergency climb
● Hot-and-high operations
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Related Aircraft Systems
● Engine
● Propeller
● Flight controls
● Trim
● Pitot-static system
● Flaps
● Landing gear
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Related Human Factors
● Workload
● Instrument fixation
● Situational awareness
● Scan management
● Fatigue
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Related Regulations
● CARs
● AIM
● AFM/POH
● Flight Test Guide
● Flight Instructor Guide
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Related Flight Test Standards
● Proper climb attitude
● Selected climb speed
● Coordination
● Trim
● Situational awareness
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KNOWLEDGE RELATIONSHIPS

Previous Lesson
LS-PT-AE06-001 — Straight-and-Level Flight
Current Lesson
LS-PT-AE07-001 — Climbing
Next Lesson
LS-PT-AE08-001 — Descending
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Parent Concepts
● Aircraft Control
● Aircraft Performance
● Energy Management
● Primary Flight Training
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Child Concepts
● Vy
● Vx
● Cruise Climb
● Normal Climb
● Climbing Turns
● Density Altitude Effects
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Sibling Concepts
● Descending
● Turns
● Slow Flight
● Stalls
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Supports
● Circuit Training
● Takeoffs
● Forced Approaches
● Navigation
● Instrument Flying
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Supported By
● Straight-and-Level Flight
● Effects of Controls
● Aircraft Familiarization
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Related Lessons
● AE05
● AE08
● AE09
● AE16
● AE17
● AE24
● AE25
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Related Weather Topics
● Density Altitude
● Temperature
● Pressure Altitude
● Wind
● Turbulence
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Related Navigation Topics
● Departure Procedures
● Obstacle Clearance
● Cruise Climb Planning
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Related Human Factors
● Workload Management
● Situational Awareness
● Visual Scanning
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Related Emergencies
● Engine Failure After Takeoff
● Partial Power Loss
● Carburetor Ice
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Related Articles
● Aircraft Performance
● Excess Power Explained
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Related Diagrams
DIA-PT-AE07-001
Climb Performance Diagram
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Related Illustrations
ILL-PT-AE07-001
Four Types of Climb
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Related Infographics
INF-PT-AE07-001
Vy vs Vx Comparison
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Related Videos
VID-PT-AE07-001
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Related Animations
ANI-PT-AE07-001
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Related Worksheets
WS-PT-AE07-001
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Related Checklists
CL-PT-AE07-001
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Related Quizzes
QZ-PT-AE07-001
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Related Downloads
DL-PT-AE07-001
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Related Glossary Terms
GL-PT-CLIMBING
GL-PT-VY
GL-PT-VX
GL-PT-DENSITY-ALTITUDE
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CAUSE & EFFECT

Cause-and-Effect Relationships
● Increasing pitch without increasing power decreases airspeed.
● Lower airspeed increases climb angle until Vx.
● Climbing above Vy decreases climb rate.
● Higher density altitude decreases climb performance.
● Extending flaps increases drag and reduces climb performance.
● Poor coordination increases drag and reduces climb rate.
● Improper trim increases pilot workload.
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DISCOVERY

Discovery Keywords
Climbing, Climb Performance, Vy, Vx, Best Rate, Best Angle, Aircraft Climb, Climb Speed, Power and Pitch, Density Altitude
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Alternative Search Phrases
● How do airplanes climb?
● What is Vy?
● What is Vx?
● Best climb speed
● Best angle climb
● Normal climb procedure
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Abbreviations
● Vy
● Vx
● AFM
● POH
● IAS
● ROC
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Common Misspellings
● VY speed
● VX speed
● Best climb rate
● Climb attitude
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Not To Be Confused With
● Descending Flight
● Zoom Climb
● Cruise Climb Performance Charts
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AUTHORITY

Primary References
● Transport Canada Flight Training Manual
● Flight Instructor Guide
● Pilot’s Operating Handbook
● Aircraft Flight Manual
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Supporting References
● AIM
● Flight Test Guide
● Pilot Decision Making Manual
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Transport Canada References
● FTM
● FIG
● PTR
● Flight Test Guide
● AIM
● CARs
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Aircraft References
● Cessna 152 POH
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Regulatory References
● CARs
● AIM
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Industry References
● FAA Airplane Flying Handbook
● ICAO Training Material
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AI CONTEXT

Knowledge Node Summary
Introduces climbing flight and teaches how pilots manage aircraft performance using pitch, power, trim, and airspeed while selecting the appropriate climb profile for operational requirements.
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Educational Purpose
Develops the learner’s understanding of climb performance and prepares them for departures, navigation, and advanced aircraft handling.
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Context Window
Occurs immediately after straight-and-level flight and before descending flight.
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AI Retrieval Context
This lesson is a foundational Transport Canada Private Pilot Training knowledge node covering climbing flight. It explains the aerodynamic principles of climbing, introduces Vy, Vx, normal, and en-route climbs, discusses density altitude and aircraft performance, and teaches operational climb management. It is intended for early flight training students and supports later lessons involving circuits, navigation, emergency procedures, and instrument flying.
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Related Knowledge Families
● Aircraft Control
● Aircraft Performance
● Energy Management
● Flight Operations
● Human Factors
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Retrieval Priority
Core
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AI Confidence Notes
Based primarily on Transport Canada training doctrine. Aircraft-specific procedures and climb speeds must always be verified using the applicable POH/AFM.
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TEACHING FRAMEWORK

Teach As
“Power gives you the ability. Pitch decides how you use it.”
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Mental Model
Think of excess engine power as a resource. The pilot decides whether to convert that resource into altitude, speed, or a balance of both.
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Decision Rule
Select the climb profile that best matches the operational objective—not simply the steepest climb.
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Memory Aid
Power → Pitch → Trim → Scan
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Instructor Notes
Demonstrate all four climb profiles back-to-back so the student experiences the visual attitude differences, control pressures, engine sound, and aircraft performance. Reinforce that students should fly the outside picture first and use the instruments to confirm what they already see.
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VERSION CONTROL

Version:
4.1
Author:
Normand Bidal / Albatross Pilot Pathway
Technical Reviewer:
Pending
Educational Reviewer:
Pending
Date Created:
2026-06-27
Last Updated:
2026-06-27
Review Frequency:
Annual or following major Transport Canada training document revisions.
Next Review Date:
TBD

COPYRIGHT
© 2026 Albatross Pilot Pathway, a division of 10250300 Manitoba Inc. All rights reserved.