Gliders

flight · no engines · air sports

Wings do the work. Gliders have special curved wings that lift them into the air, just like how a bird's wings help it fly. The shape of the wings catches air and creates the push that keeps the glider up.

Air currents are fuel. Instead of burning fuel like regular planes, gliders ride invisible rivers of warm air called thermals that push them higher and higher. Pilots search for these air pockets to stay aloft for hours.

A tow gets started. Most gliders need a little help taking off, so they get towed into the air by a plane or a winch on the ground. Once they're high enough, they let go and soar on their own.

Some have tiny engines. Motor-gliders are special gliders with small engines that help them climb when they need to, or even take off by themselves without a tow. The engine is really just a backup for when the air currents aren't cooperating.

Silent and smooth. Flying in a glider is incredibly quiet and peaceful because there's no engine roaring. Pilots describe it as one of the purest ways to experience flight.