What is "Climb Gradient"?

Climb gradient refers to the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal distance during a climb, which is crucial for understanding how efficiently an aircraft can ascend. It is expressed mathematically as the rise (in feet) over the distance traveled horizontally (in nautical miles or feet). This measurement gives pilots and flight planners insights into the aircraft's performance capabilities during the ascent phase of flight, allowing for better route planning and adherence to terrain clearance regulations.

A higher climb gradient indicates that the aircraft is capable of gaining altitude more quickly relative to the distance covered on the ground, which is particularly important in mountainous regions or when taking off from airports with obstacles. Understanding climb gradient is essential for ensuring safety and optimizing aircraft performance, especially in critical phases of flight.