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PA.IV.C.K2FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Knowledge

Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).

Bottom line

Best angle-of-climb speed (VX)—the airspeed at which an aircraft gains the greatest amount of altitude in a given distance. Best rate-of-climb speed (VY)—the airspeed that provides the most altitude gain in a given period of time.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Best angle of climb speed (VX) and best rate of climb speed (VY).
NumberWhat it means
greatest altitude gain in a given distanceVX
most altitude gain in a given timeVY
published in the AFM at or above 10,000 feet MSLVY at altitude

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 8 (p. 8-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-17) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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