Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport [1] in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain …

Learn how to Soar with the Soaring Society of America. Find local soaring chapters and become a glider pilot within the aviation community.

gliding, flight in an unpowered heavier-than-air craft. Any engineless aircraft, from the simplest hang glider to a space shuttle on its return flight to the Earth, is a glider. The glider is powered by gravity, …

Jul 9, 2025 · What is Gliding? Gliding involves flying an unpowered aircraft called a glider or sailplane. Unlike conventional airplanes, gliders don’t have engines; instead, pilots use rising air …

Gliding, or soaring as it is sometimes called, encompasses motorless flight in aircraft. Once airborne gilders use lift to gain altitude and stay aloft, they are launched by power plane, winch or bungy.

Mar 13, 2025 · Gliding involves engineless aircraft that move by use of raising air known as thermals, which are cause by the sun heating the ground which in turn heats the air above it; after locating a …

Jul 28, 2022 · The heat from the ground warms the surrounding air, which causes the air to rise. Rising pockets of hot air are called thermals. Large gliding birds, such as owls and hawks, are often seen …

Jul 19, 2024 · Gliding involves perfect control inputs and the ability to read air currents. Gliding competitions test skills in aerodynamics, navigation, and reading weather patterns. Gliding offers …

Aug 25, 2025 · Gliding involves flying through the air without the use of an engine, using lift generated from atmospheric conditions. Pilots typically launch their gliders from elevated locations using tow …

When done in gliders (sailplanes), the sport is known as gliding and sometimes as soaring. For foot-launched aircraft, it is known as hang gliding and paragliding. Radio-controlled gliders with fixed …