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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. A sailplane is a glider (heavier-than-air fixed- wing aircraft) designed to fly efficiently and gain altitude solely from natural forces, such as thermals and ridge waves. [Figure 1-6]  Older gliders and those used by the military were not generally designed to gain altitude in lifting conditions, whereas modern day sailplanes are designed to gain altitude in various conditions of lift. Some sailplanes are equipped with sustaining engines to enable level flight even in light sink, or areas of descending air flow. More sophisticated sailplanes may have engines powerful enough to allow takeoffs and climbs to soaring altitudes. In both cases, the powerplants and propellers are designed to be stopped in flight and retracted into the body of the sailplane to retain the high efficiency necessary for nonpowered flight. 

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Gliding, that is flying a glider or sailplane, is relatively easy to learn, but soaring, which is gaining altitude and traveling without power, is much more difficult and immensely satisfying when accomplished. 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. Both terms are acceptable and are synonymous. Early gliders were easy and inexpensive to build, and they played an important role in flight training. The most well-known example today of a glider is the space shuttle, which literally glides back to earth. The space shuttle, like gliders that remain closer to the earth, cannot sustain flight for long periods of time. 

Self-launching gliders are equipped with engines; with the engine shut down, they display the same flight characteristics as nonpowered gliders. [Figure 1-7]  The engine allows them to be launched under their own power. Once aloft, pilots of self-launching 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. 

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## Glider Pilot Schools 

Most airports or glider bases have some type of pilot training available, either through FAA-approved pilot schools or individual FAA-certificated flight instructors. FAA-approved glider schools usually provide a wide variety of training aids, special facilities, and greater flexibility in scheduling. A number of colleges and universities also provide glider pilot training as a part of their overall pilot training curricula. However, most glider training is conducted by individual flight instructors through a membership in a glider club. Also, there are several commercial glider companies located around the United States offering flight training, sightseeing glider rides, and glider towing services. 

Choosing the right facility or instructor for your glider training should be both exciting and educational. Many factors need to be considered when choosing the right school, such as location, type of certification, part- or full-time training, and cost. The quality of training received should be the most important factor. Before interviewing schools, potential student pilots should be educated on the types of training curriculums that are available. Pilot training is conducted in accordance with one of two regulatory categories: Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 141 or 14 CFR part 61. Students can receive exceptional flight training under either part 141 or 61 training programs, as both have the same teaching and testing requirements. What differs is the way you are taught in order to meet those same requirements. 

