Jetliner Climb Speed: How is it Determined and Maintained?

[earthgoodboy]

Hi all,

I am wondering which speed is used for the commercial aircraft to climb after take-off. I have heard that aircraft climbs at constant airspeed until reaching a certain mach number and then continuing with constant mach. Is that the most common procedure for jet aircraft? and what kind of airspeed is it? is it EAS or TAS? Finally, since the engine performance varies with altitude, how can the pilot maintain constant speed while climbing without having to keep adjust the thrust setting? I also know that there is a certain thrust setting for climbing for climb, if so, how can it related to airspeed?

thank you

 

[Navin A S]

The speed most commonly used for commercial aircraft to climb after takeoff is called a climb speed. This speed is determined by the aircraft's type, weight and atmospheric conditions. It is usually expressed in terms of either indicated airspeed (IAS) or calibrated airspeed (CAS). The climb speed is typically the same indicated airspeed that was used during the takeoff roll. Once the aircraft reaches its climb speed, the aircraft will maintain a constant thrust setting. This is done using a combination of the autothrottle system and the power lever. As the aircraft gains altitude, the air density decreases and the aircraft will start to slow down due to the decrease in air resistance. To maintain the climb speed, the pilot will automatically reduce the power setting. This is done to compensate for the decrease in air resistance. In addition to maintaining the climb speed, the pilot will also need to adjust the pitch attitude of the aircraft to maintain a constant angle of climb. This is usually done using the flight director system on the primary flight display. As the aircraft climbs, the pilot will increase the pitch attitude slightly to ensure that the aircraft maintains the desired angle of climb. Finally, the pilot will also need to monitor the aircraft's performance during the climb. This includes monitoring the aircraft's speed, rate of climb, and engine performance. The pilot will also need to ensure that the aircraft does not exceed its maximum certified altitude. Thank you for your question.