positive feedback

Definition

A control or signal arrangement in which a portion of the output is fed back into the input in a way that reinforces and amplifies the original signal. In electronics, positive feedback is used in oscillators to sustain a continuous output. Uncontrolled positive feedback in a control system causes the output to grow until it reaches a limit or the system becomes unstable.

Plain English

When part of a system's output is sent back to its input in a way that adds to and strengthens the signal, making the effect grow rather than settle.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of aircraft systems, autopilots, electrical circuits, and stability problems.

Derivation

From Latin positivus meaning 'placed' or 'affirmative,' and 'feedback,' meaning a return of output to input. 'Positive' here means the returned signal adds to the input rather than opposes it — not that the result is good or desirable.

Why Pilots Care

Positive feedback can produce runaway oscillations or loss of control in flight systems, requiring prompt pilot override.

Analogy

It is like a microphone placed too close to a speaker: a small sound is picked up, sent back through the speaker, picked up again, and quickly grows into a loud squeal.

Intuition Check

Do not read “positive” as “good.” In this term, “positive” means the feedback adds to the change and makes it larger.

Example Sentence 1

The radio's oscillator circuit relies on positive feedback to generate a steady signal.

Example Sentence 2

Technicians traced the erratic heading hold to positive feedback in the rudder channel.

Definition

Information given to a learner that confirms a behavior, response, or performance was correct, effective, or desirable, with the intent of reinforcing that behavior so it is more likely to be repeated.

Plain English

Telling a student what they did right, in a way that encourages them to keep doing it.

Context Anchor

Used in flight training, ground lessons, and debriefs when an instructor points out correct performance or good decision-making.

Derivation

From Latin 'positivus' meaning 'settled, affirmative,' and 'feedback,' originally an engineering term for output returned to the input of a system. In instruction, it means returning affirming information to the learner.

Why Pilots Care

Effective positive feedback speeds skill building, raises student confidence, and lowers dropout risk by making progress feel tangible and repeatable.

Intuition Check