What is the difference between best angle and best rate of climb?

Question

regardless of fuel consumption, with full power, which is the best resolution to fly clear of obstacles or gain height faster? how it can be done?

Answer 1

FlyerJosh has the best answer. Your question actually has the answer in it!

best resolution to fly clear of obstacles = Vx = best angle

gain height faster = Vy = best rate

Answer 2

Most altitude per unit of distance=best angle (Vx)

Most altitude per unit of time=best rate (Vy)

Obstacle clearance=altitude gain per unit of distance needed to clear obstacle with acceptable margin, all factors considered, with Vx producing the max altitude gain (no-wind) per unit of distance in conditions associated with certification (max weight, etc.)

Answer 3

Best angle of climb (Vx) is just that- the best angle to altitude (no wind) when viewed from the side. A pilot would use best angle to clear obstacles.

Best rate of climb (Vy) is the amount of time to get to altitude. Best rate gives no regard to the distance traveled over the ground, but instead to the amount of time. A pilot typically will climb at Vy when they want to get to altitude in the shortest time frame possible (such as in a traffic pattern).

Here is a graphical description of each of the speeds:

http://www.crosswindlanding.com/temp/Vx_...

Answer 4

One is climb per distance, the other is climb per time.  

At Vx you are definitely on the back side of the power curve.  You can increase the climb rate by lowering the nose.

The published Vx and Vy speeds are for a given altitude and weight.  The speeds converge and equal Vs at the aircraft's ceiling.  The speed change with regard to weight is closely  proportional to the √(load factor).  So if you are flying at 85% of max allowable gross weight, the Vy for that altitude will be about 93% of the otherwise uncorrected Vy.

Answer 5

To clear obstacles, use best angle of climb. Vx.

To gain height fastest, use best rate of climb. Vy.

The information on the speeds is in the POH.

You will be sacrificing climb rate to do a best angle climb since you are on the back side of the power curve, but it is still the best for clearing obstacles.

PS: The back side of the power curve is any speed below Vy.

http://www.av8n.com/how/htm/energy.html#...

Answer 6

You are not on the backside of the power curve at best angle, it is the other, the minimum airspeed, at which the departure point will  guarantee you that a 50 foot obstacle can be cleared. For reference a Piper Cherokee 140 has best rate at 85 mph, and best angle at 74 mph, commonly referred  to as "V" speeds and those are Vx and Vy respectively, and again it all depends on atmospheric conditions......