----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----At 11:00 AM 10/21/2006, Ed Burkhead wrote:
Then, figure that your forward speed in feet per minute is 88 times the true airspeed in mph.
...
The best angle of climb is the speed where climb rate in feet per minute divided by forward speed in feet per minute is the largest.
Hey, guys, it's not quite that simple. Your TAS and forward speed are not the same unless you're flying straight and level. When you're climbing (or descending) your forward speed is some fraction of your TAS.
sine È = Vertical speed / TAS
Maximum angle of climb is when Theta is maximized.
È = arcsine(VS/TAS)
and
Forward speed = cos( È ) /TAS.
(I think. Now my head hurts)
Note also that all this only applies to still air and your best angle changes as the relationship between your TAS and speed over the ground changes.
YMMV...
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