Positive Rate of Climb

Positive Rate of Climb is the confirmed indication — via altimeter and/or vertical speed indicator — that the aircraft is climbing after becoming airborne. It is a critical callout in the takeoff sequence.

• Standard callout: Pilot Monitoring says "Positive rate" when confirmed on instruments
• Pilot Flying responds with "Gear up" — landing gear retraction is not initiated until positive rate is confirmed
• This prevents retracting gear while the aircraft might still settle back onto the runway
• In the event of a rejected takeoff, gear must remain down for ground deceleration
• On multi-engine aircraft, positive rate confirmation is especially critical during engine-out procedures