Climb Out Question
 

I was recently on a holiday charter from Izmir to Gatwick, aircraft was an A320. Shortly before departure the Captain announced that that we had a 40MPH headwind to contend with all the way home.

During the climbout phase Mrs Pc commented that we didn't seem to gaining height as quickly as she expected (about 2 minutes post VR) and I must admit that the same thought had crossed my mind.

While I appreciate that it is difficult if not impossible to gauge such matters from the cabin I wondered if there may be any factors that may have caused a slower than usual climb.

All I could think of was perhaps the high ambient temperature degrading performance or maybe the aircraft was heavy with additional fuel in anticipation of the forecast headwind?

Or maybe a thousand other reasons that will remain unknown except to the crew :)

You've probably answered your own question, plus the 320 is a gutless wonder in the best of circumstances:ok: