Definition
A rearward (toward the pilot) force applied to the control yoke or stick to deflect the elevator upward, raising the aircraft's nose and increasing pitch attitude.
Plain English
Gently pulling back on the yoke or stick to lift the nose of the airplane.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when changing from cruise flight to a constant-airspeed climb, where the pilot uses back pressure to set the nose-up attitude shown on the instruments.
Derivation
Aft is a nautical and aviation term meaning toward the rear of the vessel or aircraft. Pulling the yoke aft moves it toward the rear of the cockpit, which through the control linkages deflects the elevator upward and pitches the nose up.
Why Pilots Care
Correct aft elevator pressure produces a smooth pitch change that preserves airspeed and prevents stalls or excessive drag during the climb transition.
Intuition Check
Aft elevator pressure does not mean pushing on the tail of the airplane. It means applying backward pressure on the pilot’s elevator control. Elevator here means the airplane control for raising or lowering the nose, not a lift in a building.
Example Sentence 1
To enter the constant airspeed climb, the pilot smoothly applied aft elevator pressure until the nose reached the desired pitch attitude.
Example Sentence 2
Once established, trim away the aft elevator pressure to hold the new pitch attitude hands-off.