Definition
A small auxiliary surface attached to the trailing edge of a primary flight control (typically a stabilator) that moves in the same direction as the control surface to increase the force the pilot must apply. It deliberately makes the controls feel heavier, giving the pilot better feedback and preventing oversensitive or abrupt control movements.
Plain English
A small flap on the back of a flight control that pushes against the pilot a little, so the controls don't feel too light or twitchy.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft control-system descriptions, maintenance inspections, and preflight checks on aircraft that use a stabilator or similar movable tail surface.
Derivation
Anti-' means 'against,' and 'balance' refers to a balance tab, which reduces control force. So an antibalance tab does the opposite of a balance tab: it adds resistance instead of reducing it.
Why Pilots Care
Increases control forces with rising airspeed, reducing the risk of over-controlling and improving stability.
Intuition Check
Do not read “antibalance” as a tab that balances the control or makes it easier to move. Here, it means the tab works against light control forces by adding feel and resistance.
Example Sentence 1
The Cherokee's stabilator uses an antibalance tab to keep pitch control from feeling overly sensitive in flight.
Example Sentence 2
During the control check the pilot felt the opposing force created by the antibalance tab.