Plain English Meaning

How the airplane is oriented in the sky — whether the nose is pointing up, down, or level, and whether the wings are tilted or flat — at any given moment.

Full Definition

The position of an aircraft relative to the horizon, described by its pitch (nose up or down) and bank (wings tilted left or right). Aircraft attitudes are what the pilot establishes and controls to make the airplane climb, descend, turn, or fly straight and level.

Context Anchor

You will hear this during flight instruction when an instructor describes or demonstrates how the airplane should be positioned for straight-and-level flight, climbs, , and .