wrote:
I used to rent a 172L a lot many years ago, and used 10 degrees to
reduce the takeoff roll but for me it *increased* the rate of climb
slightly at airspeeds between Vx and Vy.

I suspect that you were NOT at max gross weight. Were you at that
state, I expect you would find that the POH was EXACTLY correct.

We face similar problems with flaps and density altitude in Colorado.

What you experienced is exactly why we teach in the mountain flying
course to fly 10% below max gross weight... because any reduction in
load translates directly into improved performance.

Please consider coming to Colorado for the mountain flying course some
time:

http://www.coloradopilots.org/

Yes, we fly a normally aspirated C172 ("N" model) into Leadville,
Colorado at 9,927 MSL. Pattern altitude is 11,000 MSL. FUN!

Best regards,

Jer/ "Flight instruction and mountain flying are my vocation!" Eberhard

--
Jer/ (Slash) Eberhard, Mountain Flying Aviation, LTD, Ft Collins, CO
CELL 970 231-6325 EMAIL jer'at'frii.com WEB http://users.frii.com/jer/
C-206 N9513G, CFII Airplane&Glider, FAA-DEN Aviation Safety Counselor
CAP-CO Mission&Aircraft CheckPilot, BM218 HAM N0FZD, 231 Young Eagles!