Abstract: A pressure differential actuator latching apparatus for a disk drive device is provided. The latching apparatus includes a rotatable body portion, a rigid air vane portion and a latching trap. When a data storage disk of the disk drive is not being rotated, the latching apparatus maintains a transducer actuator assembly of the disk drive in a locked position by engaging the transducer actuator assembly in the latching trap. When the data storage disk is rotated, airflow is generated proximate to the surface of the disk, in the same direction in which the disk is rotated. The transducer actuator assembly, positioned over the surface of the disk, blocks the airflow. The blockage of airflow creates an area of low pressure just downstream of the actuator assembly. The latching apparatus is disposed in a space between the edge of the data storage disk and walls of the housing so that the air vane portion is positioned between the areas of low and ambient pressure.