FAA Ground School Practice Test

In terms of climb performance, Vx is referred to as what?

1. Best rate of climb speed

2. Best angle of climb speed

3. Maneuvering speed

4. Minimum control speed

The correct answer is: Best angle of climb speed

Vx is defined as the best angle of climb speed, which is crucial for pilots to understand when managing climb performance. This speed allows an aircraft to gain the maximum altitude over the shortest horizontal distance. In situations where obstacles, such as trees or buildings, are present during takeoff or departure, maintaining Vx is essential to clear these hazards safely and efficiently. It maximizes the climb angle, providing the best height gain for the distance traveled, which can be crucial during critical phases of flight. The other choices relate to different aspects of aircraft performance. The best rate of climb speed, for instance, is associated with Vy, which is designed to gain the most altitude over time rather than distance. Maneuvering speed refers to the maximum speed at which a pilot can safely make abrupt control movements without risking structural damage. Minimum control speed is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain controlled flight during the loss of an engine in multi-engine aircraft. Each of these terms is important in their own right but does not define Vx, which specifically pertains to maximizing climb efficiency in distance.