Climbing

Question 1

How does a zoom climb achieve altitude?

Answer 1

It exchanges a high velocity (V) for an increase in height

Question 2

A steady climb converts what into potential energy?

Answer 2

Propulsive energy in excess of what is needed for straight and level flight

Question 3

In a steady climb, what is the primary reason for the weight force acting vertically and in a direction opposing flight?

Answer 3

Gravity

Question 4

How does weight force act in a steady climb?

Answer 4

It is vertical and opposes the direction of flight

Question 5

Aside from drag, which other force opposes the direction of flight in a climb?

Answer 5

Weight

Question 6

The acceleration in a steady climb is…

Answer 6

Zero

Question 7

The system of forces in a steady climb are said to be in…

Answer 7

Equilibrium

Question 8

The relationship of forces in a steady climb

Answer 8

Thrust is greater than drag
Lift is less than weight

Question 9

Lift vs weight in a steady climb

Answer 9

Lift marginally less than the weight

Question 10

If lift is less than weight in a steady climb, how are the forces still in equilibrium?

Answer 10

Thrust - Drag has a vertical component to balance the weight force

Question 11

What climb speed would be used for obstacle clearance?

Answer 11

Maximum gradient (angle) speed (VX)

Question 12

Maximum gradient (angle) climb gains the greatest height in…

Answer 12

The shortest horizontal distance

Question 13

Maximum gradient (angle) speed is given what symbol?

Answer 13

VX

Question 14

Maximum rate climb speed is given what symbol?

Answer 14

VY

Question 15

Maximum rate climb speed reaches cruise at

Answer 15

The fastest time possible

Question 16

VX is to do with ___, while VY is to do with____

Answer 16

VX - Distance
VY - Time

Question 17

Why should VX be used for short times only?

Answer 17

Less cooling so higher engine temperatures

Question 18

Cruise climb is a compromise between

Answer 18

Speed and rate of climb

Question 19

A speed that compromises speed and rate of climb is called the

Answer 19

Cruise climb

Question 20

An altitude at which the steady rate of climb is >= 100 ft/min is known as the

Answer 20

Service ceiling

Question 21

Service ceiling is when steady rate of climb is equal to or below what fpm?

Answer 21

100 ft/min

Question 22

Difference between service ceiling and absolute ceiling?

Answer 22

Absolute ceiling is when climb speed = 0 ft/min
Service ceiling is when climb speed = 100 ft/min

Question 23

What will occur eventually if you fly faster than the recommended speeds in a climb?

Answer 23

All the forces will balance eachother out and there will be no excess thrust/power to give a climb

Question 24

How does a headwind affect climb performance?

Answer 24

It increases the climb gradient

Question 25

How does a tailwind affect climb performance?

Answer 25

It decreases the climb gradient

Question 26

Why is rate of climb not affected by a steady wind?

Answer 26

Steady wind affects ground distance only

Question 27

In terms of climb performance, what does wind affect?

Answer 27

Angle of climb (over the ground)

Question 28

What take-off climb considerations are impacted by wind?

Answer 28

Obstacle clearance as wind affects gradient over the ground

Question 29

If faced by an increasing headwind, what happens to an aircraft’s speed(s)

Answer 29

Its inertia will maintain original groundspeed
Original groundspeed + new heading = temporarily increased IAS/TAS

Question 30

Why does an aircraft maintain its original groundspeed if faced by an increasing headwind

Answer 30

Inertia

Question 31

Increasing airspeed from an increasing headwind will have what effect?

Answer 31

Nose will be raised to maintain climb speed
Better climb performance
Overshoot effect!

Question 32

What is the overshoot effect?

Answer 32

Increasing headwind (decreasing tailwind or updraft) will increase airspeed and give better climb performance temporarily

Question 33

What is the undershoot effect?

Answer 33

Decreasing headwind (increasing tailwind or downdraft) will decrease airspeed and reduce climb performance temporarily