In flight mechanics, this variable dictates whether an aircraft is climbing, descending, or flying level relative to the ground. It differs from pitch, which is just where the nose points, because it accounts for the actual trajectory of the center of mass. Pilots and engineers use it to calculate climb gradients, descent profiles, and energy management.
Heard on the job
Keep gamma positive until we clear the terrain, then you can level off.
Also heard as
- flight path angle
Do not mix it up with
- Angle of attack: Gamma is the actual path the aircraft takes through space, while angle of attack is how the wing meets the oncoming air.