Plain English Meaning

Instead of pushing or pulling the controls through big motions, the pilot uses gentle, measured force. The airplane responds to how firmly you press, not how far you move the controls.

Full Definition

The light, steady forces a pilot applies to the flight controls (yoke or stick, and rudder pedals) to maneuver the airplane, rather than large or abrupt movements of those controls.

Context Anchor

You will notice control pressures during basic maneuvers, turns, climbs, descents, takeoffs, and landings.

Derivation

comes from a word meaning “to press.” In this use, it does not mean ; it means the physical push or pull force felt through the controls.