Definition
A deliberate, firm forward push on the control yoke or stick during the early part of the takeoff roll in a tailwheel airplane, used to raise the tail off the ground so the airplane assumes a level flight attitude before lift-off.
Plain English
Pushing the stick forward on purpose, with intent, during the takeoff run to lift the tail up off the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in tailwheel airplane takeoff technique, especially during the normal takeoff roll as the airplane accelerates.
Derivation
"Positive" here means deliberate and firm — not tentative. "Forward elevator" refers to the control input that moves the elevator surface in the direction that pushes the tail up and the nose down. Together the phrase tells the pilot to apply real, committed forward pressure, not a light nudge.
Why Pilots Care
Raises the tail at the proper speed during takeoff roll to establish the correct attitude for liftoff while avoiding premature nose lift or wheelbarrowing.
Intuition Check
Positive does not mean “good” here; it means definite and intentional. Forward elevator does not mean the elevator surface moves forward; it means the pilot moves the stick or yoke forward.
Example Sentence 1
As the airplane accelerated through the early takeoff roll, the pilot applied positive forward elevator to raise the tail to flying attitude.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor reminded the student to use positive forward elevator only after the tail began to lighten, preventing an abrupt nose drop.