Two easiest methods:

#1 -Look at your groundspeed and figure it in NM/Minute. Take that and multiply it by the Ft/NM figure.

Example - 180 kt GS, Standard 200'/NM IFr climb gradient:
180 Kt GS = 3 NM/Minute * 200'/NM = 600 FPM

#2 - To find percentage (%) of climb gradient look at the 100 KT GS column, take the Ft/Minute figure and divide by 100.

Example - 100 KT GS, 400'/NM (because 200'/NM climb gradients are never listed, they're assumed):
100 Kt GS at 400'/NM is 666 FPM / 100 = 6.66%

Feet per NM / 60 x GS = FPM

gradients FAR 91
 

As I return to the civilian world, and try to gain some comprehension of the FARs, I did have these questions:

1) With reference to a fractional jet operating under FAR Part 91 (K) 91.1039, are IFR weather mins and climb gradients DIRECTIVE or not? (Which sounds like an interview question to me...)

2) Why do fractionals sometimes operate Pt 91 and sometimes Pt 135?

Any help appreciated.

Zach

If you have a Jepp departure in front of you and you need the gradient, no math required. Just go to the 100kt column of the fpm req box and move the decimal over two spots.

Actually, at NJ we operate under 3 rules. Ferry flights are Part 91, owner flights are Part 91K, and when we carry Marquis Card people, we are under Part 135. 135 is the charter rule. 91K is a special part of 91 that addresses fractional operations and plain 91 are the rules everyone has to follow unless some stricter rule applies. Clear as mud.

Sailaway, perfect answer to my second question; what about my first?

1) With reference to a fractional jet operating under FAR Part 91 (K) 91.1039, are IFR weather mins and climb gradients DIRECTIVE or not? (Which sounds like an interview question to me...)
Zach

Just an opinion, but 91.1039 simply put fractional operators on parity with 135 operators….
So, it’s a requirement (directive) to comply with the reg.
I seem to remember when the NPRM for subpart K was written (essentially by EJA, well RJS), this wasn’t the intended rule. Thankfully, the FAA listened to the input from pilots and changed the wording…

good info, thanks. I've heard an interview question about pax byob'ing. it was asked for 135 ops (must be provided by company). what about 91k for owners: could they bring their own bottle of champagne for example, or their favorite scotch??

Short answer, yes. It's their airplane.

Correct answer, yes. But they must give it to the crew first so the crew can give it back there by making it "provided by the company".

Reality is that would never happen but if you want to follow the regs that's what has to happen to make it legal.