Introduction to Glider Flying > Introduction to Glider Flying > Glider Or Sailplane?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines a glider as a heavier-than-air aircraft that is supported in flight by the dynamic reac-tion of the air against its lifting surfaces, and whose free flight does not depend on anengine. The term glider is used to designate the rating that can be placed on a pilot certificate once a person successfully completes required glider knowledge and practical tests.

Another widely accepted term used in the industry is sailplane. Soaring refers to the sport of flying sailplanes, which usually includes traveling long distances and remaining aloft for extended periods of time. Gliders were designed and built to provide short flights off a hill down to a landing area. Since their wings provided relatively low lift and high drag, these simple gliders were generally unsuitable for sustained flight using atmospheric lifting forces.

The most well known example of a glider is the space shuttle, which liter-ally glides back to earth. The space shuttle, like
g l i d e r s , cannot sustain flight for long periods of time. Early gliders were easy and inexpensive to build, and they played an important role in flight training.

Self-launch gliders are equipped with engines, but with the engine shut down, they display the same flight characteristics as non-powered gliders. The engine allows them to be launched under their

Figure 1-1. A human-powered ornithopter is virtually incapable of flight due to the dramatic difference in the strength-to-weight ratio of birds compared to humans.

own power. Once aloft, pilots of self-launch gliders can shut down the engine and fly with the power off. The additional training and procedures required to earn a self-launch endorsement are covered later in this handbook.