When does the initial climb phase begin for an aircraft?

The initial climb phase begins at the end of the takeoff phase, specifically when an aircraft has left the ground and transitioned into climbing away from the runway. This phase is critical as it involves the aircraft quickly gaining altitude after takeoff, and it usually starts once the aircraft is airborne and has achieved a positive rate of climb.

Understanding this phase is essential in aviation, as it is during this time that pilots must be vigilant about aircraft performance, configuration, and airspeed while ascending. The other options do not reflect the accurate start of the initial climb phase; for example, while the takeoff phase refers to the time when the aircraft is accelerating down the runway, it is only after liftoff that the initial climb phase can genuinely commence.