Going Up!
Big Idea
To climb, you add power and pitch the nose up. The airplane trades speed for altitude.
Fun Fact
A Cessna 172 climbs at about 700 feet per minute — it takes about 6 minutes to reach cruising altitude!
What You Will Learn
- Line up on the runway centerline
- Push the throttle to full power for takeoff
- Pull back gently to lift off
- Climb at the best rate of climb speed (Vy)
Simulator Steps
- Line up on the runway — feet on the rudder pedals
- Push the throttle ALL the way forward — full power!
- As the speed builds, gently pull back on the yoke
- The nose comes up and you are flying!
- Climb to 4,000 feet — watch the altimeter
What You Learned
- Full power for takeoff
- Gentle pull back to lift off
- Watch the altimeter to know your altitude