What should a pilot do if they are unable to climb or descend at 500 fpm?

When a pilot is unable to climb or descend at a specified rate of 500 feet per minute, it is important to notify Air Traffic Control (ATC) of this limitation. Communication with ATC is crucial for maintaining safety in the airspace and for keeping ground control informed of the aircraft's performance issues. This ensures that ATC can provide necessary assistance, such as altering the aircraft's altitude assignment or routing to accommodate the situation.

Notifying ATC allows them to manage the airspace effectively, keeping other aircraft informed and allowing for adjustments as needed to ensure safety. While increasing airspeed or changing routing might be potential considerations in maintaining performance, informing ATC of any inability to meet altitude changes is a priority that directly addresses the problem while also maintaining situational awareness for all aircraft involved. Switching frequencies, on the other hand, does not contribute to resolving the inability to climb or descend appropriately.