Soaring is the act of flying an aircraft, such as a glider, without the use of an engine. Instead, the aircraft is able to maintain altitude or gain altitude by utilizing natural rising currents of air such as thermals, ridge lift, and lee waves. These currents are caused by differences in temperature and pressure within the atmosphere, and can be found in areas such as mountains, cliffs, and cumulus clouds. Soaring pilots navigate these currents in order to stay aloft for extended periods of time, sometimes even for several hours. This type of flight can be a highly efficient and sustainable form of flight as the aircraft is able to harness the energy of the natural environment to maintain its altitude or gain altitude, rather than relying on an engine to provide thrust.
