an apparatus , and method of forming the same , for measuring a head - to - disc contact force in a magnetic disc storage system are disclosed . a slider body of the head has a trailing edge and an air bearing surface . a flexible beam is formed on the slider body at a corner between the air bearing surface and the trailing edge . contact between the flexible beam and the disc causes deflection of the flexible beam . a degree of deflection of the flexible beam is indicative of the force caused by contact between the head and the disc . the apparatus includes first and second electrical access terminals for use in determining a parameter indicative of the quantity of deflection of the flexible beam and thereby of the force caused by contact between the head and the disc .