CLB 1 climb setting in flight should be used only when departure procedures direct it

SkyWest ERJ Cockpit Qualification (CQ) and Knowledge Validation (KV) can feel like a lot to soak in. The cockpit is a living system, after all—full of procedures, checklists, and the kind of nuance that only shows up when you’re sitting in the left seat with the radios humming and the airplane listening back. One seemingly small decision point that matters more than it might appear is how we handle CLB 1 during a climb. Let me explain why this isn’t a throwaway moment, but a carefully directed action that ties directly to departure procedures, performance limits, and overall safety.

CLB 1: what it is and why it matters

CLB stands for climb thrust, a mode you select to push the airplane up and away from the runway with the right amount of power and efficiency. In the Embraer workhorse SkyWest crews fly, CLB 1 is a specific thrust setting tuned for the climb phase after takeoff. It’s not the same as the thrust you use during cruise, nor is it something you set once and forget. The “1” is a designation that tells you this is a controlled, modest climb—enough to get you clean and climbing without overspending fuel or stressing the aircraft structure.

If you’re new to the idea, think of CLB 1 as matching the airplane’s appetite for altitude with the right bite of power. It’s a balance between performance and economy, a sweet spot that lets you meet your target speed and climb gradient, while keeping engine parameters within safe limits. The key takeaway is: CLB 1 is not a default setting you flip on every flight. It’s a tool you apply when the procedure says so.

Let me connect a few dots: in a typical taxi-to-climb scenario, you’ll follow a departure plate that guides you toward the initial climb segment. That plate isn’t just there to look pretty; it prescribes the exact thrust setting and configuration needed to reach a safe, efficient altitude while staying in compliance with air traffic control and performance envelopes. When the plate calls for CLB 1, you engage it. When it doesn’t, you don’t. Simple in theory, but it relies on situational awareness and disciplined execution.

Let the departure procedure be your compass

This is where the role of departure procedures comes into sharp relief. Departure procedures are not arbitrary scripts; they’re designed to maximize safety, efficiency, and predictability. They account for variables like aircraft weight, center of gravity, ambient temperature, and altitude constraints. They also reflect the airspace you’re entering, the terrain nearby, and the traffic mix you’ll be joining.

So, when would you manually select CLB 1? Only when the departure procedure directs you to do so. If the plate or the electronic flight bag entry specifies CLB 1 for the initial climb, you select it as instructed. If it doesn’t, you don’t. It’s that straightforward—with a few important details underneath.

Why not other moments? A quick tour of the other contexts helps seal the concept

• Passenger comfort: Sure, passengers notice a smooth climb, but comfort isn’t the trigger for CLB 1. A guideline that’s truly performance-driven is what you’re after. If the departure plate doesn’t call for CLB 1, cranking it in for comfort’s sake isn’t the aim. The goal is to follow the procedure and maintain appropriate climb performance.

• Night operations: Night flying adds some complexity because lighting, visibility, and ATC sequencing can differ, but the same rule applies. CLB 1 is still a tool used only when the procedure specifies it. Night or day doesn’t change the requirement; the plate does.

• Stall situations: If you’re dealing with a stall or a potential upset, the priority shifts. Recovery takes precedence over climb settings. The CLB 1 knob isn’t the control surface you’re looking to twist in a stall; you’re looking to restore safe flight with the appropriate stall recovery procedures first.

How CQ and KV flank this topic

In SkyWest CQ and KV contexts, pilots develop a deep familiarity with when and why to use CLB 1. CQ is about how you operate the airplane in a way that aligns with airline procedures and airspace realities. KV reinforces the knowledge behind those procedures—why the plate prescribes a given thrust, how weight and temperature affect climb performance, and what lines you cross if you don’t follow the directive.

Think of it like this: CQ is your practical toolkit, the hands-on know-how you apply in the cockpit. KV is the mental map—the why behind the actions you take. Together, they create a cockpit culture that’s consistent, safe, and efficient. When you’ve internalized the rule “CLB 1 only when the departure procedure says so,” you’re not just memorizing a step; you’re speaking the language of performance and compliance fluently.

A few real-world cues that help you stay on the right path

• Weight and balance realities: Heavier aircraft need more careful climb management. Departure procedures factor these realities in, so CLB 1 may be the prudent choice if the plate calls for it at a particular weight and center of gravity.

• Environmental conditions: Temperature and pressure altitude shape climb performance. If the plate accounts for these factors, CLB 1 becomes a precise instrument rather than a guess.

• Air traffic considerations: ATC flow can demand specific cross-checks and altitudes. The departure procedure isn’t decorative; it’s designed to keep you on a safe, predictable trajectory within the flow.

Practical tips to weave this knowledge into daily flight routines

• Memorize the plate language: You don’t need to recite the whole manual by heart, but you should be able to spot phrases on your departure plate that signal CLB 1 usage. When you see a directive, you’re primed to act.

• Develop a quick internal checklist: Before takeoff, scan the route, weights, and environmental notes. If the plate requires CLB 1, you’re prepared to select it promptly after liftoff. If not, you move on with the standard climb profile.

• Case-study mindset: When you review a scenario from a previous flight or a simulator session, note whether CLB 1 was directed by the plate and how that choice affected climb performance. This helps you translate theory into real-world behavior.

• Balance automation with control: Modern cockpits offer automation that follows procedures. Stay ready to override or adjust if the procedure changes or if you detect a performance mismatch. You’re the final steward of the climb profile.

Common pitfalls and how to navigate them

• Misreading the plate: It’s easy to assume CLB 1 is a default during climbs. Take a moment to confirm the directional cue on the plate. A small misread can shift your climb a notch or two and ripple downstream.

• Applying CLB 1 out of sequence: The directive must be followed in the right phase of flight. It’s not a forever setting; you apply it only when the departure procedure specifies it, then revert to the next appropriate mode as you progress.

• Over-reliance on automation: The autopilot and cockpit systems can carry you through the climb, but you should still verify that CLB 1 aligns with the plate’s instruction. Autopilot can handle the what; you’re responsible for the why and when.

A final reminder that ties it all together

The cockpit is a living system that rewards disciplined, procedure-driven thinking. When a SkyWest ERJ flight deck faces its initial climb, the decision to manually select CLB 1 is not a random choice; it’s a precise action dictated by the departure procedure. This alignment protects you, your crew, and the passengers, while ensuring your climb profile meets the airplane’s performance envelope and the airspace’s expectations.

If you’ve ever watched a climb from the cockpit and thought, “That looked smooth,” there’s a good chance a well-followed departure procedure played a big part. The JK of that softness isn’t magic—it’s the quiet confidence that comes from reading the plate, understanding the weight and weather, and acting with purpose when CLB 1 is the directive.

So next time you’re hands-on with an ERJ climb, remember the rule: CLB 1 is a tool you pull only when the departure procedure says so. It’s a small step, but it carries a lot of weight in the way you fly the airplane, respect the airspace, and keep operations running like a well-oiled machine. And that’s where CQ and KV really show their worth—not just as knowledge, but as a lived, practiced way of flying.