What is the standard IFR climb gradient?

The standard IFR climb gradient is 200 feet per nautical mile (NM). This figure is significant because it provides a baseline for pilots to plan their climb profiles during an instrument flight. When executing an IFR departure, maintaining a climb rate that adheres to this gradient helps ensure that the aircraft can clear obstacles and terrain while also adhering to air traffic control regulations.

A climb gradient of 200 feet per NM is particularly important in providing adequate obstacle clearance, especially in areas where terrain elevation may rise steeply. Air traffic control and flight planning tools often utilize this standard when creating departure procedures and routes for IFR flights. This gradient ensures that pilots can safely ascend to the altitude specified in their flight plans or clear any surrounding obstruction.

Other values like 150, 250, or 300 feet per NM denote different climb gradients which may be used in specific circumstances or under different regulations, but for general purposes in most IFR environments, 200 feet per NM is the recognized and standard climb gradient.