The climb phase, also known as climb out, of a typical flight of an aircraft is the period during which the aircraft climbs to a predetermined cruising altitude after take-off. Depending on the aircraft, the altitudes involved, and other factors, this phase may last from a minute or two to half an hour or more. The climb phase immediately follows take-off and precedes the cruise phase of the flight. Although a single climb phase is typical, multiple climb phases may alternate with cruise phases, particularly for very long flights in which altitude is increased as the weight of fuel aboard decreases (see step climb).
If a climb beyond the abilities of the aircraft is attempted, increasing angle of attack in the wings may produce a stall.
Aircraft also climb by entering a zone of rising air, but since such zones are unpredictable and inconveniently located, and since most are poorly adapted to passive climbs of this type, only gliders attempt such climbs on a regular basis. A passive climb combined with an active climb can produce a higher climb rate than either method alone.
The opposite of a climb is a descent.
Read more about this topic: Climb
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