What is the minimum acceptable rate of climb to 8,700 feet for the RENO9.FMG departure at a GS of 150 knots?

The minimum acceptable rate of climb for the RENO9.FMG departure to 8,700 feet, given a ground speed of 150 knots, is determined based on the need to establish a safe and efficient climb performance. A rate of 1,200 feet per minute is generally aligned with typical departure procedures that take into account factors such as obstacle clearance, airspace requirements, and operational safety margins.

When flying a standard instrument departure, achieving the necessary altitude quickly is crucial to avoid terrain and meet the requirements of the air traffic control system. A climb rate of 1,200 feet per minute is often considered the threshold needed to ensure that an aircraft can safely navigate away from potentially hazardous ground features and airspace while also accommodating any possible variations in performance metrics due to aircraft weight or atmospheric conditions.

Other options, while potentially viable under certain conditions, may not provide the necessary margin of safety or efficiency typically required for such departures, aligning instead with a more conservative approach to ensure compliance with safety standards.