Which speed gives the most altitude in the shortest distance, for clearing obstacles?

VX, best angle of climb speed.

  1. VY, best rate of climb
  2. VA, maneuvering speed
  3. VX, best angle of climb ✔

Why: VX gives the steepest climb, the most height over a given distance, so it is used on short-field takeoffs to clear obstacles. VY gives the most height in a given time.

Huh, didn't know that: On light twins, the single-engine best rate of climb speed, VYSE, is marked on the airspeed indicator with a blue line.

The dad joke
I'm friends with 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know Y.
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Sources

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 11 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf

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