Microsoft Flight Simulator Handbook

by Jonathan M. Stern

Climbing Flight

A climb is initiated by pulling back on the control yoke, which raises the pitch attitude of the airplane, increasing the angle of attack (see Figure 2.16).

Figure 2.16. The airplane's pitch attitude is raised in a climb.

If excess power is available, power is added as the airspeed bleeds off to an appropriate climb speed. Once the climb is established, the thrust from the engine combined with the lift generated by the wings causes the airplane to climb. As altitude increases and air thins, the airplane becomes less able to climb. When it reaches its absolute ceiling, the airplane no longer can climb.

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