Gliding, or soaring as it is sometimes called, encompasses motorless flight in aircraft. Once airborne gilders use lift to gain altitude and stay aloft, they are launched by power plane, winch or bungy.
Soaring has been around since the early 20th century-the Wrights completed record-breaking flights in gliders after their invention of powered flight.
The Soaring Society of America (SSA) oversees gliding activity in the United States, and has done so since 1932. Now with membership topping 11,000 people, SSA still performs the basic task it has since its founding-to promote and foster the sport of gliding throughout the country and the world. NAA works closely with SSA to promote gliding records in the United States.
Soaring Society of America website: www.ssa.org