Climb and Descent Performance topics include: Climb and descent performances with mixed power plants, thrust and power producing engines, climb gradient, climb rate, minimum fuel climb, aircraft operations performance, high performance climb, wind effects on climb and descent performance. Aircraft climb and descent performance are measured in feet per minute (ft/min) and are critical factors in the safety and efficiency of flight operations.  Here is some information about aircraft climb and descent performance: Climb rate: The rate of climb is a function of two factors: excess thrust... Show more

Climb and Descent Performance topics include: Climb and descent performances with mixed power plants, thrust and power producing engines, climb gradient, climb rate, minimum fuel climb, aircraft operations performance, high performance climb, wind effects on climb and descent performance.

Aircraft climb and descent performance are measured in feet per minute (ft/min) and are critical factors in the safety and efficiency of flight operations. 

Here is some information about aircraft climb and descent performance:
Climb rate: The rate of climb is a function of two factors: excess thrust horsepower and weight. The formula for rate of climb is: Rate of Climb is equal to Excess Thrust Horse Power times 33,000 divided by Weight (R/C=ETHP x 33,000/W).
Climb gradient: A climb gradient is a distance climbed per distance traveled across the ground, expressed in a percentage. For example, a 2% climb gradient would be 20′ of altitude gained for every 1,000′ traveled across the ground.
Climb performance: The difference between thrust and drag at the specified flight condition can be used to calculate climb angle and climb rate for the aircraft.
Descent performance: Aircraft descend by reducing thrust, or engine power. This reduces the aircraft's speed, thus creates less lift, so the airplane slowly lowers (decreasing altitude).
Climb gradient and ground speed: The faster an aircraft's groundspeed, the greater the rate of climb needed to avoid obstacles.
Commercial aircraft descent: A commercial aircraft will typically descend at between 1,500 and 3,000 feet per minute. 

The Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), also known as a Rate of Climb and Descent Indicator (RCDI), is an instrument which indicates the rate of climb or descent of an aircraft. 

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Aircraft Performance: Cruising Performance Practice Test

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