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How does a glider work? Gliders are aircraft that fly without any engines. Instead, they rely on air currents to remain in the air. Gliders are built of light materials and usually have very large wings in proportion to their body size. This enables them to gain the maximum effect from the currents. If a glider pilot finds patches of rising air, often under clouds, the aircraft can stay aloft for hours on end. A glider circles in rising air currents, called thermals, to gain height.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Aircraft