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A motorless, fixed-wing, heavier-than-air craft is known as a glider. Its flight is generally referred to as gliding, but soaring is a more accurate term to describe the action of a flying glider (see aerial sports).

Gravity causes the glider to move downward and forward. This results in a flow of air over the wings. The airflow produces the force of lift that supports the craft in the air (see airplane, “Aerodynamics”). When the…

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Types of Gliders

Launching Methods

Soaring Activities

History and Development