Gliding

Gliding (or soaring) is a recreational activity and competitive sport where individuals fly un-powered aeroplanes known as gliders or sailplanes. Properly, the term gliding refers to descending flight of a heavier-than-air craft when gravity (its own weight) is its sole motive force; soaring is the correct term to use when the craft gains altitude or speed from movements of the atmosphere during the flight.

Related Topics:
Recreation - Sport - Aeroplane - Glider - Sailplane

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The words gliding and soaring are also used to describe the ways birds capable of flight remain aloft without flapping their wings; the mechanics of this process are explained in the article on bird flight, while this article focuses on aircraft.

Related Topics:
Bird - Wing - Bird flight

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