Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

The rate of climb during a steady climb is primarily dependent on?

1. Excess power.

2. Excess thrust.

3. Thrust available.

4. Weight of the aircraft.

The correct answer is: Excess power.

The rate of climb during a steady climb is primarily dependent on excess power. Excess power refers to the difference between the power produced by the aircraft’s engines and the power required to overcome drag and maintain level flight. When an aircraft climbs, it needs additional power to not only counteract the drag but also to provide the necessary lift to ascend. In a steady climb, if the available power exceeds what is needed for level flight, the surplus power translates directly into altitude gain over time, which is quantified as the rate of climb. Therefore, higher excess power results in a higher rate of climb, as it enables the aircraft to climb more effectively against the forces of gravity and drag. Other factors, such as thrust available, thrust required, and weight of the aircraft, play roles in the aircraft's performance, but they are not the primary determinants of rate of climb in a steady state. While thrust is certainly a crucial component, the concept of excess power encapsulates both thrust and drag, giving a clearer picture of climbing capability.