Definition
A rearward force applied to the control yoke or stick by the pilot, which deflects the elevator upward and causes the airplane's nose to pitch up. In maneuvers such as steep turns, increased elevator back pressure is used to raise the nose and increase the angle of attack, generating the additional lift needed to maintain altitude as bank angle increases.
Plain English
A gentle, steady pull back on the control yoke or stick. Pulling back tilts the airplane's nose up.
Context Anchor
Commonly encountered during steep turns, climbs, takeoffs, landings, and any maneuver where the pilot must control the airplane’s nose position.
Derivation
Elevator' comes from Latin elevare, 'to lift up,' because the elevator lifts (or lowers) the tail to change pitch. 'Back pressure' simply describes a steady rearward force on the controls, as opposed to a quick pull. Together: a sustained pull that raises the nose.
Why Pilots Care
Applying the correct amount prevents altitude loss in turns while avoiding an unintended stall.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as pressure inside an elevator or a hydraulic system. Here, pressure means the physical force the pilot applies by pulling back on the flight control.
Example Sentence 1
As the bank angle increased through 30 degrees, the instructor reminded the student to add elevator back pressure to maintain altitude.
Example Sentence 2
Releasing elevator back pressure too soon allows the nose to drop and the airplane to lose altitude.