A spring actuated magnetic head positioning system mounted upon an arm extending over the surface of a rotatable magnetic disk is disclosed for advancing the magnetic head into its operating position adjacent the magnetic surface. The spring positioning mechanism is contained within a housing, one end of which resiliently supports the magnetic head. The other end of the housing supports a remotely controlled actuator for actuating the spring positioning mechanism. The spring positioning mechanism is preloaded and held within a fixed and predetermined compressed length when retracted. In its operating position, the spring is translated toward the magnetic disk and further compressed to provide the force necessary to hold the magnetic head in position against the opposing force produced by the air pressure existing between the magnetic head and the rotating magnetic disk.