Abstract: A fluid flow control valve assembly provides metering of the hydraulic fluid from a cylinder port at a constant desired rate for lowering a load at a corresponding constant rate which has been raised by the cylinder. The valve assembly comprises a normally closed valve having an input orifice communicating with the cylinder port and an output orifice and is selectively actuable for permitting the flow of fluid from the cylinder. A normally closed pressure compensating valve has an input orifice communicating with the normally closed valve output orifice, an output orifice, and a control input adapted for direct communication with the cylinder port for continuously sensing the fluid pressure within the cylinder. The pressure compensating valve maintains a constant fluid flow pressure differential and a constant fluid flow rate from the cylinder.