Abstract: A magnetic head for recording and reproducing data, on and from a flexible magnetic disk, is supported by a support mechanism. The support mechanism is capable of rotating the head around the first axis extending in a radial direction of the disk, and applies a pressing force to the head. The head has leading and trailing edges. The head includes a flat surface opposing the disk and having a leading and trailing ends, and a midpoint between thereof. A second surface connects the trailing edge to the trailing end of the flat surface. The distance between the trailing edge and the disk is longer than the distance between the trailing end of the flat surface and the disk. Magnetic gaps are arranged on that portion of the flat surface which is located between the midpoint and the trailing end thereof. When the disk is rotated at a predetermined speed and the support mechanism applies a predetermined pressing force to the head, an air bearing force is generated and acts on the flat surface.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, which performs at least one of the two functions of recording and reproducing by using a flexible magnetic recording medium with a magnetic recording layer of a thin metal film, and which has a magnetic head, a drive unit and a recording/reproducing circuit. The drive unit causes a relative movement between the magnetic head and the magnetic recording medium in accordance with recording/reproducing. The recording/reproducing apparatus is operated in accordance with the drive unit and inputs/outputs a recording/reproducing signal with respect to the magnetic head. The magnetic head is formed such that its surface contacting the magnetic recording medium has a radius of curvature of 40 to 100 mm. The speed of relative movement of the drive unit at least in the access mode is 1.5 to 5.0 m/s.