Definition
An aircraft attitude in which the nose is pitched below the horizon, as shown by the miniature aircraft symbol on the attitude indicator sitting below the artificial horizon line. A nose-down attitude typically results in a descent and, if uncorrected, an increase in airspeed.
Plain English
The aircraft is pointed downward relative to the horizon. Looking outside, more ground is visible than sky; on the attitude indicator, the small aircraft symbol sits below the horizon line.
Context Anchor
Seen in attitude instrument flying, especially when recognizing and recovering from nose-low unusual attitudes.
Derivation
Attitude comes from an older word meaning posture or position. In aviation, it means the airplane’s position compared with the horizon, not a person’s mood.
Why Pilots Care
Recognizing a nose-down attitude prevents uncontrolled dives and loss of control in instrument conditions.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane’s nose dropping below the horizon line: the airplane is now aimed downward.
Intuition Check
Do not read attitude as emotion or behavior here. In this context, attitude means the airplane’s position relative to the horizon.
Example Sentence 1
Scanning the attitude indicator, the pilot saw a steep nose-down attitude with the airspeed increasing rapidly and began the nose-low recovery procedure.
Example Sentence 2
During the descent, the aircraft maintained a gentle nose-down attitude to lose altitude at the planned rate.