In terms of climb performance, what happens when an aircraft is heavily loaded?

When an aircraft is heavily loaded, the rate of climb decreases. This phenomenon occurs because a heavier aircraft requires more lift to become airborne and to sustain its climb, which in turn demands more thrust from the engines. However, the additional weight increases the aircraft's stall speed, meaning it needs to maintain a higher airspeed to generate enough lift.

As a result, the excess weight negatively impacts the aircraft's climb performance, leading to a lower rate of climb than what would be achievable with a lighter load. The power-to-weight ratio is diminished, making it less efficient to gain altitude quickly. Therefore, with a heavily loaded aircraft, the reduced rate of climb is a direct consequence of the increased drag and decreased overall performance associated with the added weight.