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Lesson 20 - Aircraft Characteristics

Aircraft Characteristics Lesson Introduction

Climb Rate and Cruise Speed

B763: Boeing 767-300 Photo by David Knudsen

Climb Rate
Climb rate is the speed at which an aircraft increases its altitude expressed in Feet Per Minute (FPM). Climb rate can be affected by numerous factors.

Cruise Speed
Cruise speed is the speed at which an aircraft may be expected to travel in level flight. It is the most optimum speed in terms of fuel use and distance traveled. It is measured in Knots True Airspeed (KTAS) or MACH number.