Definition
Small, hinged surfaces attached to the trailing edge of a primary flight control (such as an aileron, elevator, or rudder) that move during flight to assist the pilot in moving or holding the larger control surface in a desired position. The category of flight tabs includes trim tabs, balance tabs, servo tabs, and anti-servo tabs.
Plain English
Tiny moving flaps on the back edge of a control surface that help the pilot steer or hold the controls more easily. They are 'flight' tabs because they do their work while the airplane is flying.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of airplane flight controls, especially servo tabs and other tab systems that reduce control forces.
Derivation
Flight' here is used to distinguish these tabs from a 'ground adjustable tab,' which is a fixed metal tab bent on the ground and not moved in flight. 'Flight tabs' are the ones that actually move while flying.
Why Pilots Care
They lower control forces, reduce pilot fatigue, and improve handling at higher speeds.
Analogy
A flight tab is like using a small helper flap to push on a larger surface. The pilot moves the small part, and the airflow helps move the big part.
Intuition Check
Do not read “tab” here as a paper marker or label. In this FAA context, a tab is a small movable aircraft surface attached to a larger control surface.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor explained that flight tabs—unlike a fixed ground adjustable tab—move during flight to help the pilot manage control forces.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight the mechanic inspected the flight tabs for free movement and proper rigging.