What is the maximum climb gradient for any IFR departure?

The maximum climb gradient for any IFR departure, specified as 200 feet per nautical mile, is defined in regulatory guidance to ensure safe and effective climb performance during the initial phases of flight. A gradient of 200 ft/NM allows aircraft to gain altitude rapidly enough to clear obstacles in the departure path while still providing adequate safety margins for engine failure scenarios and maintaining a stable climb profile.

This climb gradient is important for pilots to understand during planning, especially when reviewing departure procedures that may indicate the required climb performance to avoid terrain and obstructions. Pilots must calculate their aircraft's performance to ensure that they can achieve this minimum climb gradient when placing their flight plans in operation. Understanding this regulation helps maintain airspace safety and adherence to controlled flight standards during IFR operations.

The other options, suggesting gradients either lower or higher than 200 ft/NM, do not meet the established criteria for IFR departures as they do not ensure sufficient safety margins or operational capability under IFR conditions.