Is best rate of climb speed really BEST?
Two scenarios:
1. We've lifted off and cleared all obstacles. Climb speed is set at 60kts 'cuz that's the machine's best rate of climb speed, and it'll get us up to (safe) altitude fastest. The engine fails. Now the nose'll have to be pointed down to pick up speed, and we'll lose some of that altitude. It'd be nice to have a full 70kts (best autorotational speed) to start the flare...
2. We've lifted off and cleared all obstacles. Climb speed is set at 70kts 'cuz when the engine fails no altitude has to be given up to gain speed.
So, is the best rate of climb speed really the BEST speed to use when climbing?
Thanks in advance for your comments!