Time to Climb

Time to Climb

 

the minimum time required for an aircraft to reach a specified altitude. In determining the time to climb from ground level, the time needed for takeoff and the time to accelerate to the most favorable climbing speed are both included. The time to climb depends on the power output of the aircraft’s engine(s) and the aerodynamic qualities and the weight of the aircraft. Fighter planes have the best time to climb. The official records for time to climb (from ground level) registered by the Federation Aéronautique Internationale are 2 min 49.8 sec to an altitude of 20 km, set in 1973 by B. A. Orlov (USSR), and 4 min 3.86 sec to an altitude of 30 km, set in 1973 by P. M. Ostapenko (USSR).