What is the climb airspeed during a short field takeoff until all obstacles have cleared?

The climb airspeed during a short field takeoff is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft can safely clear obstacles in the takeoff path. The appropriate airspeed is generally specified in the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and is typically designated as "Vx," or the best angle of climb speed. This speed allows the aircraft to achieve the greatest altitude gain over the shortest horizontal distance, maximizing the chances of clearing any obstacles swiftly after takeoff.

For many general aviation aircraft, a speed of 66 KIAS aligns with the best performance for short field operations. This allows for improved climb performance just after takeoff, which is particularly important when dealing with obstacles like trees or buildings that are close to the runway. Maintaining this airspeed until all obstacles have been cleared helps to ensure that the aircraft remains safely in the air and can transition to a safe climb as soon as possible.

In contrast, other speeds like 60 KIAS might not generate sufficient climb rate for obstacle clearance, while speeds like 70 KIAS or 77 KIAS might provide a higher rate of climb but could sacrifice the necessary distance needed to clear obstacles. Therefore, the choice of 66 KIAS reflects the optimal balance for a short field takeoff scenario.