The point is that you need a set amount of energy to turn back. It can
be speed or altitude, they are interchangeable, so it really does not
matter within limits whether you climb shallowly or steeply.

Jerry,

 

I agree with most of what you say but I believe your above statement is incorrect when it comes to the GA aircraft (based on my experience as a flight instructor).

 

In demonstrating the engine out turnback maneuver in an A-36 Bonanza, one is always much better off to have climbed out at Vx and achieved as much altitude in as short a distance as possible versus accelerating to say a 120 knot cruise climb speed. If the engine quits when you are at 80 knots and 1500 AGL, you are able to turn around and get back to the runway . The same distance from the field at 120 knots and 700 feet won't cut it. Try it sometime. A Vx climb keeps you close to the runway and makes the turnback achievable in many cases. The low fast departure does not.

 

At Vx you are close to L/D max (where drag is minimized). At a higher speed more engine energy is used to overcome drag. Drag is the big penalty factor you are discounting here. It does matter for light single engine aircraft to get to altitude as quickly as possible after rotation.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff Edwards

(practiced that many times)