Definition
A flight control system in which the pilot's muscular effort on the controls is supplemented by hydraulic or electric power, but the pilot still moves the control surfaces directly through a mechanical linkage. The power assist reduces the force required, while the pilot retains a physical feel for the controls.
Plain English
A control system where the pilot is still physically moving the control surfaces, but a hydraulic or electric helper makes it easier to push and pull. Think of it like power steering in a car -- you're still turning the wheel, the system just makes it lighter.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems discussions for larger, faster, or heavier aircraft where the flight controls would be difficult to move by pilot strength alone.
Derivation
Boosted' comes from the idea of giving something an extra push. The pilot still does the work; the system just adds a boost so the controls aren't too stiff to move.
Why Pilots Care
It prevents control forces from becoming excessive, improving handling qualities and reducing pilot fatigue on aircraft where manual controls would be impractical.
Analogy
Like power steering on a car. You're still steering, but a power assist makes it light. Turn the engine off and you can still steer -- it's just hard work.
Intuition Check
A boosted control system does not mean the airplane decides how to move the controls. It means the pilot commands the movement, and powered assistance helps supply the force.
Example Sentence 1
On larger aircraft, a boosted control system reduces the pilot's workload by hydraulically assisting movement of the ailerons and elevator.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the instructor pointed out that the boosted control system requires checking hydraulic pressure before flight.