A magnetic head assembly in a linear tape system. The magnetic head assembly includes a magnetic head having a central section, a first outrigger, and a second outrigger. The central section maintains at least one read/write element. The first outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section and forms at least one air bleed slot. The second outrigger is positioned adjacent the central section opposite the first outrigger and also forms at least one air bleed slot. Finally, the central section is laterally moveable relative to the outriggers. With this configuration, the moveable, central section, otherwise used for lateral positioning of the read/write element relative to a magnetic tape, is separated from the outriggers that otherwise minimize a fly height between the magnetic tape and the outriggers.