Plain English Meaning
How well a pilot can actually fly the airplane by hand — keeping it under smooth, accurate control using the yoke and rudder pedals.
Full Definition
A pilot's hands-on ability to physically control the airplane through manipulation of the flight controls — primarily the control stick or yoke (which moves the elevator and ailerons) and the rudder pedals — to produce coordinated, accurate flight in all phases of operation.
Context Anchor
Seen in risk discussions when evaluating whether a pilot has enough basic flying skill for a flight, condition, or maneuver.
Derivation
The term comes from the two a pilot uses: the control stick (or yoke) which the hands , and the rudder pedals which the feet work. The phrase has been used since early to the basic, physical craft of flying — as to management, , or planning.