Climbing Flashcards
How does a zoom climb achieve altitude?
It exchanges a high velocity (V) for an increase in height
A steady climb converts what into potential energy?
Propulsive energy in excess of what is needed for straight and level flight
In a steady climb, what is the primary reason for the weight force acting vertically and in a direction opposing flight?
Gravity
How does weight force act in a steady climb?
It is vertical and opposes the direction of flight
Aside from drag, which other force opposes the direction of flight in a climb?
Weight
The acceleration in a steady climb is…
Zero
The system of forces in a steady climb are said to be in…
Equilibrium
The relationship of forces in a steady climb
Thrust is greater than drag
Lift is less than weight
Lift vs weight in a steady climb
Lift marginally less than the weight
If lift is less than weight in a steady climb, how are the forces still in equilibrium?
Thrust - Drag has a vertical component to balance the weight force
What climb speed would be used for obstacle clearance?
Maximum gradient (angle) speed (VX)
Maximum gradient (angle) climb gains the greatest height in…
The shortest horizontal distance
Maximum gradient (angle) speed is given what symbol?
VX
Maximum rate climb speed is given what symbol?
VY
Maximum rate climb speed reaches cruise at
The fastest time possible
VX is to do with ___, while VY is to do with____
VX - Distance
VY - Time
Why should VX be used for short times only?
Less cooling so higher engine temperatures
Cruise climb is a compromise between
Speed and rate of climb
A speed that compromises speed and rate of climb is called the
Cruise climb
An altitude at which the steady rate of climb is >= 100 ft/min is known as the
Service ceiling
Service ceiling is when steady rate of climb is equal to or below what fpm?
100 ft/min
Difference between service ceiling and absolute ceiling?
Absolute ceiling is when climb speed = 0 ft/min
Service ceiling is when climb speed = 100 ft/min
What will occur eventually if you fly faster than the recommended speeds in a climb?
All the forces will balance eachother out and there will be no excess thrust/power to give a climb
How does a headwind affect climb performance?
It increases the climb gradient
How does a tailwind affect climb performance?
It decreases the climb gradient
Why is rate of climb not affected by a steady wind?
Steady wind affects ground distance only
In terms of climb performance, what does wind affect?
Angle of climb (over the ground)
What take-off climb considerations are impacted by wind?
Obstacle clearance as wind affects gradient over the ground
If faced by an increasing headwind, what happens to an aircraft’s speed(s)
Its inertia will maintain original groundspeed
Original groundspeed + new heading = temporarily increased IAS/TAS
Why does an aircraft maintain its original groundspeed if faced by an increasing headwind
Inertia
Increasing airspeed from an increasing headwind will have what effect?
Nose will be raised to maintain climb speed
Better climb performance
Overshoot effect!
What is the overshoot effect?
Increasing headwind (decreasing tailwind or updraft) will increase airspeed and give better climb performance temporarily
What is the undershoot effect?
Decreasing headwind (increasing tailwind or downdraft) will decrease airspeed and reduce climb performance temporarily
