CLIMBS

  1. TYPICAL: gear up, accelerate to Vmfr, flaps up, 250 KCAS to 10,000', 280 KCAS to .70 Mach. (D/2-63,64)
  2. OBSTACLE:  Set TRT Prior to Brake Release, climb at Vmfr until clear of the obstacle.  Used anytime obstacle is a factor.  (D/2-64)
  3. NOISE ABATEMENT:  TRT set prior to brake release (reduced EPR may be used); Vmfr until 1500' AGL or clear of the sensitive area. (D/2-64, A/10-9)
    German Civil Airfields: Vmfr/flaps 75% & takeoff power until 3000' AGL (ASSR pg. I-XV and AP 2/3-83)
  4. 3-ENGINE: gear up; accelerate to Vmfr, flaps up, 250 KCAS to 10,000', then 260 KCAS to .65M. (Or maneuver at 200 KCAS.) If increased climb capability is required, climb at Vmco (max. 15° of bank) until reaching at least 1000' AGL and clear of the obstacle. (D/3-10)
  5. 2-ENGINE: 220 KCAS to .45 mach (D/3-10)
  6. If the departure procedure or a SID contains both a climb gradient and takeoff minimums, AF pilots must ensure that their aircraft can meet or exceed the published climb gradient they should disregard the published takeoff minimums and comply with the takeoff minimums published in AFI 11-202. (I/90)
If a climb gradient is not published, an a/c is expected to climb at a rate of at least 200' per NM (approx. 2°). If the SID requires a steeper gradient, the required gradient will be as published. (I/90)
DOD SIDS will not show an obstacle when a climb gradient of 152 ft/NM will clear them. (A/6-6)
FLIP departure weather minimums are not restrictive, but compliance with climb performance and routings is mandatory. (A/6-6)
When executing a departure procedure, radar vectors, or a SID, aircrews must climb on runway heading until reaching at least 400' above the aerodrome elev. unless otherwise instructed.  (I/90)
After you have est. initial contact with dept. control, a controller may issue a clearance to "climb & maintain" or "maintain" an alt. Unless the controller specifically includes other alt. restrictions in that clearance, you may disregard the SID alt. restriction and climb unrestricted. (I/101)
When an aircraft is radar vectored or cleared off a SID, pilots will consider the SID canceled unless the controller adds, "Expect to resume SID." (I/101)

MISC.

  • The After Takeoff and Climb checklist may be omitted for immediate return, or for flights of 60 minutes or less.  If it is omitted, the Landing Gear Warning Horn cutout switch may be turned OFF if the GPWS Mode 4 is on and operating. The CRUISE and DESCENT checklists may also be omitted. (D/2-64)
  • Flaps may be retracted at Vmfr, provided the angle of bank does not exceed 10°  If an increased angle of bank is required, not to exceed 30°, airspeed shall be increased to a minimum of 20 knots above Vmfr prior to flap retraction. (D/2-64, P/3-12)
  • The max. gross wt. must not exceed that which would, in the event of an eng. failure, lower the rate of climb to less than a 2.5% climb gradient (2.5%=152' per NM). (A/6-6)
  • Set 29.92 when climbing through or operating above the transition altitude. (I/149)
  • During climbout, when a GPWS aural or visual warning is received, take immediate action to ensure terrain clearance. (D/2-63)
  • See this Obstacle Clearance Training Aid for more info (MS Word).

TURBULENCE (D/7-6)

Plan all missions to avoid areas of forecast or known severe weather including icing or severe turbulence. (A/6-7)
At or Below 15,000': 230-250 KCAS, continuous ignition ON.
Above 15,000': 260 or .74M , whichever is lower; continuous ignition ON.
For moderate or severe turbulence, trim to zero stick force; do not change once set.  Use the ADI for primary reference. Attempt to remain within + 10° of the pre-existing pitch attitude.  Ride with the gusts.  Set power to maintain a/s and do not change it unless a/s and altitude variations are large and persistent.  A/P may be used in the basic mode. Do NOT use alt. or mach hold. Avoid unnecessary maneuvering.
Do not exceed 270 KCAS/.825M for operation in moderate or severe turbulence.
The max. alt. for penetrating moderate or severe turbulence should be one flight level (4000') below the 300 ft/min ceiling. (D/7-6)
* No AMC aircraft will fly into an area of known or forecast moderate or greater mountain wave turbulence. (FCBs, Authority: HQ AMC/DOV)