Soaring

Soaring is a method of flight where gliders, or sailplanes, stay aloft without engines by using natural upward-moving air currents. Pilots find and ride these rising air columns—like thermal updrafts caused by the sun heating the ground—to gain altitude and stay airborne for long distances. Soaring efficiently requires skill in detecting and navigating these air currents, often covering hundreds of miles. It's an elegant combination of understanding natural weather phenomena and precise flying techniques, allowing pilots to enjoy extended flights with minimal energy use.