Plain English Meaning

How high or low the nose of the airplane is pointing compared to the horizon. The pilot raises or lowers the nose to climb, descend, or hold level flight.

Full Definition

The angles the airplane's nose makes with the horizon along the lateral axis, observed and controlled by the pilot to manage airspeed, altitude, and flight path. Pitch attitudes are described as nose-up, nose-level, or nose-down relative to the horizon, and are referenced both visually outside the aircraft and on the attitude indicator.