Flight Phase

Top of climb

The defined point in a flight where the aircraft completes its climb and levels off at the planned cruise altitude. Marked in flight planning systems and often referenced in ATC communications.

Quick answer: The defined point in a flight where the aircraft completes its climb and levels off at the planned cruise altitude. Marked in flight planning systems and often referenced in ATC communications.

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Quick answer

The defined point in a flight where the aircraft completes its climb and levels off at the planned cruise altitude. Marked in flight planning systems and often referenced in ATC communications.

Why it matters

Top of climb matters because it supports clear communication in Flight Phase contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is Top of climb?

In this glossary, Top of climb refers to: The defined point in a flight where the aircraft completes its climb and levels off at the planned cruise altitude. Marked in flight planning systems and often referenced in ATC communications.

How is Top of climb used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "Approaching top of climb, leveling off at flight level three eight zero and setting cruise power."

Why does Top of climb matter in aviation?

Top of climb matters because it supports clear communication in Flight Phase contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses Top of climb?

Top of climb is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does Top of climb belong to?

In this glossary, Top of climb is grouped under Flight Phase. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

The defined point in a flight where the aircraft completes its climb and levels off at the planned cruise altitude. Marked in flight planning systems and often referenced in ATC communications.

Operational example

Approaching top of climb, leveling off at flight level three eight zero and setting cruise power.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Flight Phase

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

Use the related links below to continue through connected aviation terminology.

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