What is the best angle of climb (Vx) speed?

The best angle of climb speed, known as Vx, is crucial for pilots to understand because it provides the greatest altitude gain over a given distance. This is particularly important in scenarios where obstacles may be present in the flight path, as achieving the highest altitude quickly can be vital for safe navigation.

In this case, the choice of 60 knots (or 55 knots with 10 degrees of flaps) indicates a speed that is often specified for certain aircraft as the best angle of climb speed under normal flight conditions. When flying at Vx, the aircraft is optimized for maximum performance in terms of altitude gain, allowing the pilot to clear obstacles effectively during the climb phase.

Using flaps can modify the handling characteristics and performance of the aircraft, which is taken into account in the shaving off of a few knots. The increase in lift provided by the deployed flaps helps maintain control and can support a steeper climb angle when needed.

Recognizing the aircraft's handbook specifications helps pilots identify the most efficient speeds for various phases of flight. Knowing that 60 knots is typically the best angle of climb speed, along with the potential performance variations with flaps, is essential for both safety and effective aircraft maneuvering.