Caravan 208B
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 490; Flight Crew Type 220
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Undershoot; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors
Climbing to 9;000 feet; Captain began leveling off at 8;500 feet instead of 9;000 feet. He increased our flight level change speed to 130; and began reducing power; even though we were well below temperature restrictions for climb. He said he was trying to keep his airspeed up. I knew we needed to maintain 500 fpm unless we advised ATC; but was afraid of speaking up after earlier incidents where he certainly hadn't appreciated my input. Captain was under the impression that the moment we hit our cruise altitude; our restrictions on ITT temp changed. He didn't think we were allowed to keep climb power in for 30 or so seconds after leveling to get our airspeed. Instead; he had the ridiculous idea to slow our climb to 100 fpm so he could be at a higher airspeed upon reaching cruise altitude and immediately bring the power back upon reaching 9;000 [feet]. A language barrier and poor training are likely the cause of that. 8;500 feet had VFR traffic coming head on. ATC vectored us for the traffic; then scolded us; but did not issue any punishment. Someone needs to explain to this man that the engine won't blow up if you observe climbing phase restrictions on ITT for 30 seconds after leveling off. These are company numbers; POH allows for even higher. As a very low time First Officer; I have no idea what to do in these situations. Captain complained about the Controller after the incident; and claimed he was being a jerk. [Captain] took no responsibility for the situation; and will likely go on to get himself and a poor First Officer a pilot deviation.
C208 F/O reported an airborne conflict occurred when the flying pilot reduced his rate of climb approaching cruise altitude.