Definition
A preflight cockpit setup action in which the pilot moves the rudder pedals fore or aft so that the legs can apply full rudder and brake travel comfortably while seated in a normal flying position. On most light airplanes the pedals slide on rails and lock into one of several detents; on others, the pilot's seat moves instead while the pedals stay fixed.
Plain English
Sliding the rudder pedals closer or farther away before flight so your legs can fully press the rudder and brakes without straining or stretching.
Context Anchor
Seen during cockpit setup, before engine start, and when checking whether the pilot can comfortably reach all controls inside the airplane.
Derivation
Rudder comes from an old word for a steering oar used to guide a boat. Pedal comes from a Latin word meaning foot. Together, the words point to a foot-operated control used to steer or help turn the airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Correct adjustment gives full rudder authority and brake effectiveness without strain, which matters most during crosswind takeoffs, landings, and taxiing.
Analogy
It is like moving a car seat so your feet can press the pedals fully without stretching or crowding your legs.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse this with adjusting the rudder itself. Rudder pedal position adjustment changes where the pedals sit for the pilot's feet; it does not change the airplane's rudder setting in flight.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the engine, she made the rudder pedal position adjustment so her knees were slightly bent and she could press each pedal to its full stop.
Example Sentence 2
After swapping seats the instructor reset the rudder pedal position adjustment so the student could reach both brakes fully.