Abstract: A magnetic recording disk of a disk drive apparatus is constructed having a radially sloped surface, so that the outer area of the disk is thinner than the inner area. The radially downward slope of the disk surface has the effect of increasing the crown of the disk head, this effect being greatest closest to the disk axis and decreasing as the head moves toward the outer diameter. A head landing zone is preferably located at the inner part of the disk surface, where the crown is greatest, reducing stiction during disk start-up. Furthermore, the gradual reduction in crown as the head moves radially outward compensates for the increasing velocity of the head relative to the disk surface, achieving a more uniform flying height of the disk head.