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IFR en route climb gradient

Asked by: 18278 views Instrument Rating

I am flying straight and level at 10000 ft, ahead of me a fix which after it the MEA increases to 15000 ft. I know that I don't have to climb before reaching the fix unless that fix has an MCA. My question is what is the minimum en route climb gradient I must achieve (answer with reference if possible)?

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3 Answers



  1. Aaron on Jun 03, 2013

    http://www.pilotfriend.com/training/flight_training/nav/ifr_smart.htm

    IFR departures have obstacle-clearance gradient of 1.5 degrees. that begins 35′ above departure end of runway. A .5 degree safety margin is built in so you must make good a 2-degree climb rate. If you accept a DP with a higher rate required you are expected to perform. ATC en route climb rates are 150 feet per mile below 5000′; 120 between 5k and 10k; and, 100′ above 10k.

    Also remember that for IFR, ATC assumes that you have a minimum climb performance of 500 ft./m. If you are unable to climb at 500 ft./m, ATC requires notification

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  2. Wes Beard on Jun 03, 2013

    Ale,
    This is a great question.

    Enroute the minimum requirement changes depending on the altitude.
    Sea Level to 5000′ – 150 FPNM
    5000′ to 10,000′ – 120 FPNM
    Above 10,000′ – 100 FPNM

    See Terps Manual page 228
    http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/8260.3B_Chgs_1-25.pdf#page=228

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  3. Bruce J. Sato CFI, CFII on Jun 04, 2013

    Also remember the formula that is listed on your e6b

    Speed Distance
    ——— ———–
    60 Time

    172 Speed at 85 knots, Distance needed to Climb 10nm
    85 – 95 knots is the 172SP climb speeds

    85 10
    —– ———
    60 Time?

    85 x’s X (Time) & 60 x’s 10
    85x = 600
    600 Divided by 85x
    X=7.05 min

    5,000 ft need to climb (10k-15k)
    5000 divided by 7.05 minuted = 700fm

    “Time and Speed is the Distance in space”
    Well thats how I calculate mine, and remember that in AIM (5-3-3) it says you need to let ATC know if you cant maintain a minimum climb gradient of 500 fpm.

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