What is soaring meaning?

Soaring is a term used to describe the activity of flying an unpowered aircraft without the use of an engine. Instead, soaring pilots rely on the natural forces of the atmosphere to maintain and gain altitude. This is achieved by seeking out areas where warm, rising air currents known as thermals occur, or by utilizing other weather phenomena such as ridge lift or wave lift. Soaring can be enjoyed as a leisure activity or as a serious competitive sport, with pilots often participating in races and competitions that test their skills in reading wind and weather patterns, navigating difficult terrain, and flying for long distances with minimal power. Soaring is also used in scientific research, with gliders providing a quiet, low-impact platform for studying bird behavior, weather patterns, and other environmental variables.