What is the speed at which the aircraft will produce the most gain in altitude over a given distance?

• A. Best Angle of Climb (Vx)
• B. Best Glide
• C. Best Rate of Climb (Vy)
• D. Vne

Answer: (A)

To get the most altitude for a fixed horizontal distance, you want the steepest climb angle. The Best Angle of Climb, Vx, is the speed that gives the greatest climb angle, meaning the most vertical gain per unit of ground distance for the aircraft’s current weight, configuration, and power. In other words, at Vx the flight path climbs most steeply relative to the ground, so over the same distance you reach the highest altitude.

Best Rate of Climb (Vy) works for maximizing how fast you climb, i.e., altitude gained per unit time, not per distance. Best Glide is a glide performance speed when power is off, and Vne is the never-exceed speed; neither is about gaining altitude over a distance.