Rate Climbs & Descents (Constant Vertical Speed)
Sometimes you must hold a specific vertical speed (for example to meet a crossing restriction or to fly a constant descent rate on an approach). You adjust pitch and power to pin the VSI to a target rate while still controlling airspeed, then lead the level-off.
Step by step
- 1Set power and pitch to establish the target vertical speed on the VSI (e.g., 500 fpm).
- 2Use pitch to fine-tune the rate and power to keep the airspeed where you want it.
- 3Trim and hold heading with bank; keep the scan moving among the VSI, altimeter, ASI, and AI.
- 4Make small pitch corrections to keep the VSI steady — the VSI lags, so anticipate and avoid chasing it.
- 5Lead the level-off by about 10% of the vertical speed.
- 6Level off, reset power for cruise, and re-trim.
Tips & common errors
- Hold the rate with small pitch changes; the VSI lags, so do not over-correct it.
- Coordinate pitch (rate) and power (airspeed) together to hold both targets.
- Lead the level-off (≈10% of the VSI value) to roll out exactly on altitude.
- Re-trim with each change so the airplane stays put while you scan.
ACS completion standards
The commonly-tested tolerances for this maneuver. Always confirm the current ACS for your certificate.
- Maintain the specified vertical speed (commonly within ±100 fpm) and airspeed ±10 knots.
- Maintain heading ±10° and level off at the desired altitude ±100 feet.
- Proper cross-check and trim.
FAA source
FAA-S-ACS-8 (Instrument Rating ACS), Task: Basic Instrument Flight; Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15, Chapter 7.
This is an original, plain-English study summary grounded in the public-domain FAA Airman Certification Standards and FAA handbooks cited above. It is a study aid, not flight instruction, and not a substitute for the official ACS, the handbooks, your aircraft’s POH/AFM, or a certificated flight instructor.
Related maneuvers
- Attitude Instrument Flying & the Instrument ScanAttitude instrument flying is the foundation of all instrument flight: you control the airplane by interpreting the instruments instead of looking outside. You set an attitude on the attitude indicator (control), verify the result on the other instruments (performance), and trim. A disciplined cross-check (scan) prevents fixation and keeps every parameter in tolerance.
- Constant-Airspeed Climbs & DescentsOn instruments you frequently change altitude at a constant airspeed. You set a pitch and power for the desired airspeed, hold it with the scan, and lead the level-off so you roll out exactly on the new altitude and back at cruise airspeed.
- Steep Turns (Instrument)On instruments, a steep turn (typically a sustained 45° bank) tests your cross-check and control as the higher bank increases the back-pressure and power needed to hold altitude. With no outside horizon, you must control everything by the attitude indicator and supporting instruments.
- Recovery from Unusual Flight AttitudesAn unusual attitude is an unintended extreme pitch and/or bank, usually from distraction, turbulence, or spatial disorientation. By interpreting the instruments (not your senses), you quickly determine whether you are nose-high (approaching a stall) or nose-low (overspeeding) and apply the correct, prioritized recovery.
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