What should be monitored after gear retraction on takeoff?

After gear retraction on takeoff, it is essential to monitor speed and power setting to ensure the aircraft's performance remains within safe operational limits. Monitoring speed is crucial because maintaining appropriate airspeed is critical for safe flight, particularly as the aircraft transitions to its climb. If the speed drops too low, there is a risk of a stall, which can be catastrophic during this phase of flight. Therefore, the pilot must ensure that the speed remains above the minimum required for safe climb.

Simultaneously, monitoring the power setting is necessary to ensure that the aircraft achieves the desired climb performance. After retracting the landing gear, maintaining an adequate power setting allows the aircraft to climb efficiently while ensuring engine performance is optimal. This helps to avoid excessive drag that can occur if the airspeed is not managed properly after gear retraction.

In summary, monitoring both speed and power setting after gear retraction is vital for safe and effective climb performance. This practice helps pilots make timely adjustments as necessary to manage the aircraft's ascent accurately.