What is the best angle of climb, VX?

What is the best angle of climb, VX?

• A. 149 knots
• B. 67 knots
• C. 55 knots
• D. 43 knots

Answer: (C)

Best angle of climb, VX, is the flight speed that gives the steepest climb path relative to the ground. It’s the speed at which you maximize the climb angle, not the rate of climb. At this speed, the airplane has enough lift to stay in the air while keeping forward speed low enough that the ratio of vertical speed to horizontal distance is the greatest. In practice, VX is chosen to clear obstacles after takeoff, as it provides the most altitude gained per unit of horizontal distance. The other speeds are either too fast (which increases drag and reduces the climb angle) or too slow (risk of stall or insufficient lift). Around 55 knots is a typical VX for many light aircraft configurations, so that speed best maximizes the climb angle for this scenario. Remember, VX differs from VY, which is the speed for maximum rate of climb (most altitude per minute).

Best angle of climb, VX, is the flight speed that gives the steepest climb path relative to the ground. It’s the speed at which you maximize the climb angle, not the rate of climb. At this speed, the airplane has enough lift to stay in the air while keeping forward speed low enough that the ratio of vertical speed to horizontal distance is the greatest.

In practice, VX is chosen to clear obstacles after takeoff, as it provides the most altitude gained per unit of horizontal distance. The other speeds are either too fast (which increases drag and reduces the climb angle) or too slow (risk of stall or insufficient lift). Around 55 knots is a typical VX for many light aircraft configurations, so that speed best maximizes the climb angle for this scenario. Remember, VX differs from VY, which is the speed for maximum rate of climb (most altitude per minute).