Instructor » Flight Training » Climbing and Descending
Climbing & Descending
AIM:
To climb & descend with a constant airspeed & direction and level off at pre-selected altitudes
CONSIDERATIONS:
- Climb performance depends on power available
- Best Rate of Climb
- Full power, attitude for 60kts

Glide descents (engine failure)
- Throttle closed
- Attitude for 55kts/65mph
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT:
Climb
- Full power
- T’s & P’s normal
- Airspace limits
Descent
- Minimum altitudes - 500ft or 1000ft
Situational Awareness
- Training area
- VFR
HUMAN FACTORS:
Altitude
- Sinuses, diving
Vision
- Empty sky myopia
Lookout
- Lower nose
- S turn’s
Listen out
AIR EXERCISE:
Climb
- Select ref pt
- Select altitude to level off at
Power - Full power (rudder)
Attitude - Set for best ROC (60kts)
Trim - to maintain attitude
then LAI - Hold, check, adjust
Level Off - Anticipate altitude by 20’ approx
Power - Decrease to cruise power (4800 rpm)
Attitude - Select cruise speed (70kts)
Trim - to maintain attitude ‘hands off’
then LAI - Hold, check, adjust
Descent - Select altitude to level off at
Power - Reduce to idle rpm (rudder)
Attitude - Set for best ROD (55kts/65mph)
Trim - to maintain attitude
then LAI - Hold, check, adjust
Level Off - Anticipate altitude by 50’ approx
Power - Increase to cruise power (4800 rpm)
Attitude - Select cruise speed (70kts/80mph)
Trim - to maintain attitude
then LAI - Hold, check, adjust