feel
An expression used to describe a pilot's reaction when using an aircraft control. If the control is power operated or power assisted, an artificial feel is usually put on the control stick to give the pilot a correct impression of the effect of movement of the controls. The term also refers to the method by which a pilot gets an aircraft heading, altitude, and air speed he or she wants from the aircraft. The pilot may do this by “the seat of the pants”; from aircraft's instruments; or finally, from the airframe vibration or engine noise. It is a subjective assessment of the aircraft's response to flight, using controls, stability, stick forces required, and other factors that may influence the pilot's opinion.
An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved