A method and system to monitor stability of magnetic head loading and unloading beside media for a data storage system is described. A shock sensor is utilized to detect shock during preloading of a magnetic head beside recording media, during loading of a magnetic head beside recording media, during pre-unloading of a magnetic head from the recording media, and/or during unloading of a magnetic head from the recording media. In an aspect, a desired pitch static attitude (PSA) and roll static attitude (RSA) of a slider is determined. In an aspect, the stability of a magnetic head is assessed and screened while on the fly and during head gimbal assembly (HGA) design and testing to improve overall data storage device reliability.