GWH .. As usual an informed answer - cheers.
eyeinthesky - hmm, yes, I hadn't thought about it like that. Fair point
Mind you I would think that achieveing the altitude in shortest possible time or shortest distance are very close to being the same thing. Unless you climb/descend at a high angle/slow rate. e.g. helicopter or hot air baloon.
And of course, it depends on what you are trying to achieve. I try only to use expedite when safety is not an issue - eg to get a level change between to parrallel aircraft etc.. If I am at the point of needing an emergency separation plan - I'd go for turns any day - particularly after the Ueberlingen disaster
Amazing how many different interpretations there can be to a point. Good thing the fam flights are up and running again.
Cheers all
VL