Minimum Climb and Descent Rates IFR

[ahramin]

I'm sure there used to be a paragraph in the AIM requiring a minimum feet per minute for climbs and descents but I cannot find it. RAC 8.4.1 (a) just says optimum rate consistent with the operating characteristics of the aircraft.

Has the specific requirement been removed? Moved? Never there? Am I on glue?

[CpnCrunch]

I had a look a while ago and didn't see anything either. The FAR AIM says to contact ATC if you can't maintain 500fpm, but there is no mention of that in the Canadian AIM.

[rookiepilot]

Was always taught ATC expects 500.....

[photofly]

Minimum isn’t really helpful. The operating ceiling for most planes is where they can climb 100fpm. If there was a requirement to maintain any more than that you couldn’t climb to your ceiling IFR.

[ahramin]

Do you not remember this guidance photofly?

Now that you remind me of it, I think it was effective under 10 000'.

[Scuderia]

I have an old AIM from 10/2005, it has the same wording as the current pub.

[photofly]

I’m sorry, I don’t remember anything like that. I’ve flown lots of planes that won’t climb 500’ per minute at sea level though, especially in summer, no specific IFR restrictions on them. Just a climb gradient of 300’ per nm for departure obstacle clearance (is it 300? Might be wrong)

Honestly I don’t see why it would matter: ATC is capable dealing with a loaded 172 at 10k as well as a Lear jet. They do have the aircraft type available.

[ahramin]

I have an old AIM from 10/2005, it has the same wording as the current pub.

Well smeg, wonder where the heck I got that from?

[ahramin]

I’m sorry, I don’t remember anything like that. I’ve flown lots of planes that won’t climb 500’ per minute at sea level though, especially in summer, no specific IFR restrictions on them. Just a climb gradient of 300’ per nm for departure obstacle clearance (is it 300? Might be wrong)

Honestly I don’t see why it would matter: ATC is capable dealing with a loaded 172 at 10k as well as a Lear jet. They do have the aircraft type available.

200' / nm is 300 fpm at 90 kts, maybe that's what you were thinking of.

[Edelweiss air]

I've also always thought it was min 500fpm for piston. Min1000fpm for turboprop / jet.