Plain English Meaning

The steady downward pull that keeps everything on the ground and gives every object its weight. It is the force an aircraft must overcome to fly, and the force pilots feel pressing them into the seat in normal flight.

Full Definition

The natural force of attraction that pulls objects with mass toward the center of the Earth, producing the constant downward acceleration (approximately 32.2 feet per second squared at sea level) that gives aircraft and their occupants weight.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying discussions about the ears, balance, and why a pilot’s body can give misleading sensations in flight.