Abstract: The present device is a flying head type element comprising a light weight housing means formed to provide sled or runner means protruding from its underside. Each sled or runner means has a magnetic read, write or erase head (or any combination thereof) located therein. Since the land area, or flying face, against which the layer of air (being dragged by the recording medium) pushes is relatively small, i.e., the area of the runner, the value of the loading force necessary to keep the head in close proximity to the recording surface is relatively small. In addition, the loading device is also the support means for the housing and is formed to keep the housing means from being spuriously moved axially or radially in response to a run-out of the disc surface. The housing area is so light and loaded so lightly that if the cushion of air fails for any reason and the housing means comes in contact with the disc surface, there will be no damage inflicted to the disc surface.