Task VIII.B
Constant Airspeed Climbs
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed climbs solely by reference to instruments.
References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25
Study Notes
Three simultaneous actions:
- Raise the nose to the approximate climb attitude on the attitude indicator.
- Add climb power.
- Trim off the control pressure.
Hold that attitude and let the airspeed stabilize, then make small pitch corrections (a half-bar to one-bar width at a time) to nail the target speed (IFH ch 7).
Once established:
- Pitch: airspeed indicator (pitch attitude controls airspeed at a fixed power setting).
- Bank: heading indicator (in a straight climb).
- Power: tachometer.
The attitude indicator is the control instrument I actually fly; the others confirm performance (IFH ch 7).
Lead the level-off by about 10% of my vertical speed — climbing at 500 fpm, I start the push-over 50 feet before the target altitude. Lower the nose to level attitude, let the airspeed accelerate toward cruise, then set cruise power and trim. Standard: level off ±200 ft, heading ±20°, airspeed ±10 kt.
- VSI: lags 6–9 seconds behind actual pitch changes (trend is instant, rate takes time).
- Attitude indicator: can show small precession errors after sustained maneuvers.
- Airspeed indicator: responds slowly to pitch changes in a climb.
Which is why I fly attitude first and wait, instead of chasing the airspeed needle (IFH ch 5).
- Fixation — staring at one instrument.
- Omission — skipping one from the cross-check.
- Emphasis — relying on one instrument over the combination.
In a climb, the classic trap is fixating on the airspeed indicator and chasing it with big pitch inputs (IFH ch 6).
Confess early. Admit the situation to ATC, ask for help (vectors, weather, nearest VFR), and declare an emergency if needed — no paperwork penalty for using the word, and priority handling can save my life (AIM 6-1-2).
Official ACS elementsreference
Knowledge5 elements
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.VIII.B.K1Flight instruments as they relate to:PA.VIII.B.K1aa. Instrument limitations and potential errorsPA.VIII.B.K1bb. Indication of the aircraft attitudePA.VIII.B.K1cc. Function and operationPA.VIII.B.K1dd. Proper instrument cross-check techniques
Risk Management8 elements
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.VIII.B.R1Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings.PA.VIII.B.R2When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.PA.VIII.B.R3Collision hazards.PA.VIII.B.R4Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.PA.VIII.B.R5Fixation and omission.PA.VIII.B.R6Instrument Interpretation.PA.VIII.B.R7Control application solely by reference to instruments.PA.VIII.B.R8Trimming the aircraft.
Skills3 elements
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.VIII.B.S1Transition to the climb pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application.PA.VIII.B.S2Climb at a constant airspeed to specific altitudes in straight flight and turns.PA.VIII.B.S3Level off at the assigned altitude and maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots.