Private Pilot for Powered-Lift Category › X. Basic Instrument Maneuvers › Task B. Constant Airspeed Climbs

PL.X.B.S1

Skill

Transition to the climb pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application.

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Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Instrument Flying Handbook p. 7-14
Chapter 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight Climbs and Descents › Entry
upward, continues to move slowly, and then stops at a rate appropriate to the stabilized airspeed and attitude. (Primary and supporting instruments for the climb entry are shown in Figure 7-25.) Figure 7-25. Climb entry for constant airspeed ... climb. Once the airplane stabilizes at a constant airspeed and attitude, the ASI is primary for pitch and the heading indicator remains primary for bank. [Figure 7-26] Monitor the tachometer or manifold pressure gauge as the primary power instrument…
Instrument Flying Handbook p. 8-10
Chapter 8: Helicopter Attitude Instrument Flying › Straight Climbs (Constant Airspeed and Constant Rate) › Entry
Entry To enter a constant airspeed climb from cruise airspeed when the climb speed is lower than cruise speed, simultaneously increase power to the climb power setting and adjust pitch attitude to the approximate climb attitude. A helicopter ... have an exact “climb attitude.” To slow down to climb (versus cruise) airspeed, the nose must be raised. Depending on power and horizontal stabilizer configuration and effectiveness, the nose may be level during an established climb or slightly nose high…
Instrument Flying Handbook p. 7-46
Chapter 7, Section II: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight Climbs and Descents › Constant Airspeed Climb From Cruise Airspeed
Straight Climbs and Descents Each aircraft has a specific pitch attitude and airspeed that corresponds to the most efficient climb rate for a specified weight. The POH/AFM contains the speeds that produce the desired climb. These numbers are based ... maximum gross weight. Pilots must be familiar with how the speeds vary with weight so they can compensate during flight. Entry Constant Airspeed Climb From Cruise Airspeed To enter a constant airspeed climb from cruise airspeed, slowly and smoothly apply…
Instrument Flying Handbook p. 7-47
Chapter 7, Section II: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight Climbs and Descents › Constant Rate Climbs
Constant Airspeed Climb from Established Airspeed In order to enter a constant airspeed climb, first complete the airspeed reduction from cruise airspeed to climb airspeed. Maintain straight-and-level flight as the airspeed is reduced. The entry to the climb ... similar to the entry from cruise airspeed with the exception that the power must be increased when the pitch attitude is raised. [Figure 7-64] Power added after the pitch change shows a decrease in airspeed due to the increased…
Instrument Flying Handbook p. 7-6
Chapter 7, Section I: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers › Straight-and-Level Flight › Airspeed Indicator (ASI)
Airspeed Indicator (ASI) The ASI presents an indirect indication of the pitch attitude. In non-turbulent conditions with a constant power setting and pitch attitude, airspeed remains constant. [Figure 7-13] As the pitch attitude lowers, airspeed increases ... nose should be raised. [Figure 7-14] As the pitch attitude rises, airspeed decreases, and the nose should be lowered. [Figure 7-15] A rapid change in airspeed indicates a large pitch change, and a slow change of airspeed indicates…