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Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.
A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the leisure activity and sport of gliding. This unpowered aircraft can use naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to gain altitude. Sailplanes are aerodynamically streamlined and so can fly a significant distance forward for a small decrease in altitude.
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References
- ↑ "PAN AMERICAN GAMES : The Day in Review : Nicaraguan Coach Knocks Down Umpire After Being Ejected". Los Angeles Times . August 13, 1991.
- ↑ "USA Grabs the Gold in Cuba" (PDF). Lightningclass.org. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ "Unofficial Rankings for the US 18 Meter Class International Team Selection Method for Selection Year 2015". Soaringweb.org. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ Fisher, Matt. "1st FAI Pan American Gliding Championships". Soaringspot.com. Retrieved 2016-04-28.
- ↑ https://sgpstorage.blob.core.windows.net/sgpmedia/1841187/competing-pilots-for-the-10th-fai-sailplane-grand-prix-final.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]