Climb

We have to now calculate the time, fuel and distance to climb using the Time, Fuel and Distance to Climb Chart. This chart uses pressure altitudes, but for the sake of simplicity let’s assume standard pressure at the departure point and during the cruise, so indicated altitude is equal to cruise altitude.

When interpreting this chart, some student pilots are tempted to directly read off values corresponding to their cruise altitude. However, in order to use this chart correctly, we must find the difference between the values corresponding to the cruise altitude and those corresponding to the departure aerodrome. The elevation of CYXY is 2,317 feet. While we could interpolate between 2,000 feet and 3,000 feet, it is easier to simply round down to 2,000. Remember to round down and not up, by rounding down we are in fact using more conservative values. At 2,000 feet pressure altitude the time elapsed, fuel used and distance travelled are 3 minutes, 0.8 gallons and 4 nautical miles. Repeat this process for the cruise altitude, however, in this case, we can interpolate between 5,000 feet and 6,000 feet. The resulting time elapsed, fuel used and distance travelled are 9 minutes, 2 gallons 11.5 miles. Now perform the following set of calculations:

  • Time elapsed = 9 minutes – 3 minutes = 6 minutes
  • Fuel used = 2 gallons – 0.8 gallons = 1.2 gallons
  • Distance travelled = 11.5 miles – 4 mile = 7.5 miles

Before recording the results in the navigation log, examine the notes at the bottom of the chart. We must now add 1.4 gallons to allow for engine start, taxi takeoff so the total fuel used is now 2.6 gallons. Furthermore, there is a correction required for warm temperatures, but the forecast temperatures are colder than standard so a correction is not required. Finally, there is one last mention of the wind. Since this chart is based on zero wind we should see how strongly the headwind affects our groundspeed during the climb using the E6B or CX2 and assuming that IAS = TAS. It is also useful to determine the true heading during the climb at this point. Since the wind is strong, relative to our climb speed of 73 knots the new values are:

  • Time elapsed = 9 minutes
  • Fuel used = 3 gallons
  • Distance travelled = 7.5 miles

Now record these values in the navigation log as shown below.

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