Definition
The recommended order in which a pilot uses the flight controls to fly the airplane: first establish the desired pitch and bank attitude with the elevator and ailerons, then add the necessary power with the throttle, trim off control pressures, and finally monitor the instruments to confirm the airplane is doing what was intended.
Plain English
It is the step-by-step order for handling the airplane: point the nose where you want it, set the wings level or banked as needed, adjust the power, trim out the pressure on the controls, then check the instruments to make sure it worked.
Context Anchor
Seen in attitude instrument flying, especially when learning how to make climbs, descents, turns, and level-offs by reference to instruments.
Derivation
From 'control' (the flight controls — elevator, ailerons, rudder, throttle, trim) and 'sequence' (a fixed order of steps). The phrase simply names the recommended order in which those controls are used.
Why Pilots Care
Using the proper control sequence maintains aircraft stability and reduces pilot workload during instrument flight.
Analogy
It is like starting a car moving smoothly: steer where you want to go, add the right amount of power, then settle into a steady position instead of constantly correcting.
Intuition Check
Control sequence does not mean a memorized script for every situation. It means using a reliable order of control actions so each change is made smoothly and checked on the instruments.
Example Sentence 1
To begin the climb, the pilot followed the control sequence: pitched up to the climb attitude, added climb power, trimmed off the back pressure, and then cross-checked the airspeed and vertical speed.
Example Sentence 2
Following the correct control sequence during a descent prevents the nose from pitching down excessively.