Definition
A control input in which the pilot raises the airplane's nose relative to the horizon, typically by applying aft pressure on the control yoke or stick. Increasing pitch attitude raises the longitudinal axis of the airplane to a higher angle relative to the horizon, which generally increases the angle of attack and, at constant power, results in a reduction of airspeed and a tendency to climb.
Plain English
Raise the nose of the airplane so it points higher above the horizon than it did before.
Context Anchor
Used in basic attitude flying and level flight when a pilot adjusts the nose position to hold altitude, change airspeed, or begin a climb.
Derivation
“Pitch” in aviation refers to the airplane’s nose moving up or down. “Attitude” comes from a word meaning posture or position. In aviation, pitch attitude is the airplane’s nose-up or nose-down posture compared with the horizon.
Why Pilots Care
Changing pitch attitude is the primary way a pilot controls altitude and airspeed; using it correctly prevents unintended climbs or descents.
Intuition Check
“Attitude” does not mean the pilot’s mood here. It means the airplane’s position in the sky; increasing pitch attitude means the nose is raised, not that the airplane automatically climbs.
Example Sentence 1
To level off at the assigned altitude, the student smoothly increased pitch attitude until the nose rested on the horizon.
Example Sentence 2
In a level turn the pilot increases pitch attitude slightly to replace the vertical lift lost to bank.