Have you ever wondered how hawks, eagles, and other soaring prey birds fly? They use thermals, or currents or hot raising air emanating from the ground thanks to the sun heating the surface. Some of the updraft from these thermals can be quite powerful, enough to sustain flight in a sailplane. A sailplane is built like a soaring bird of prey., ie long efficient wings. When the thermals "catch" the wings of the glider, the aircraft soars. The stronger the lift, the higher the aircraft will fly.
Next time you are on the road, and you see a soaring bird flying above the highway (hot air raising from the pavement which the bird of course uses), pay attention how they fly, and ascend. It's fascinating.
Stay posted for another guide on how sailplanes fly!
Our airplanes are basically gigantic soaring birds.
