The air bearing surface of an air bearing slider is formed with first and second leading end tapers (10, 12) that are spaced from the sides of the slider. Air bearing pads (14, 16) are formed with transverse sections and longitudinal legs which define a major recessed central region. The leading end tapers and the transverse sections delineate a narrow recessed channel (22) extending from the slider leading end to the recessed central region (18). Angled recessed areas (20, 22) are formed between the legs and sides of the slider. A third pad (24) is located at the trailing end of the slider. As a result, the slider has virtually no roll and improved stiffness for pitch and vertical characteristics of the slider over a large range of altitudes, including sea level to about 10,000 feet above sea level.