Imagine having the freedom of a soaring bird, using nature’s energy to fly…. No need for an engine, just using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne.

Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly un-powered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes.

It’s also one of the least expensive ways to get into aviation, whether for fun or as an intended future career.

Ask a glider pilot “What is gliding?” you will get a reply filled with words like fun, freedom, challenge, adventure, awesome, beautiful, and epic!

Gliding is more about how it makes you feel than the mere technicality of flying without an engine. So ultimately you could say gliding is about the wonder of flying and experiencing the joy of being able soar like an eagle!

Like all worthwhile skills, it requires effort and commitment to achieve results, but your first solo or a successful cross country flight on a summers day is an exhilarating reward.