System and method for electrostatic fly height control

A method of fabricating a head for use in controlling fly height with respect to an electrically conductive media surface, the method comprising:

• providing an electrically conductive slider body having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an air bearing surface defining a bearing surface plane;
• electrically isolating a fly height control electrode from the slider body;
• and
• providing an electrical connection to the fly height control electrode, the electrical connection adapted to provide a fly height control voltage to the fly height control electrode.

An apparatus comprising:

• an electrically conductive media surface;
• a head having a substrate with an air bearing surface shaped to provide a fly height spacing between the head and the media surface;
• a fly height control electrode positioned on the air bearing surface to cover an area smaller than the air bearing surface, wherein the fly height control electrode is electrically isolated from the substrate;
• and
• means for electrically charging the fly height control electrode with respect to the media surface to adjust the fly height spacing.