that can be placed on a pilot certificate once a person successfully  completes required glider knowledge and practical tests. Self-launching gliders are equipped with engines; with the  engine shut down, they display the same flight characteristics  as nonpowered gliders.  [Figure 1-7]  The engine allows them  to be launched under their own power. Once aloft, pilots  of self-launching gliders can shut down the engine and fly  with the power off. The additional training and procedures  required to earn a self-launch endorsement are covered later  in this handbook. Another widely accepted term used in the industry is  sailplane. A sailplane is a glider (heavier-than-air fixed- wing aircraft) designed to fly efficiently and gain altitude  solely from natural forces, such as thermals and ridge waves.  [Figure 1-6]  Older gliders and those used by the military were  not generally designed to gain altitude in lifting conditions,  whereas modern day sailplanes are designed to gain altitude  in various conditions of lift. Some sailplanes are equipped  with sustaining engines to enable level flight even in light  sink, or areas of descending air flow. More sophisticated  sailplanes may have engines powerful enough to allow  takeoffs and climbs to soaring altitudes. In both cases, the  powerplants and propellers are designed to be stopped in  flight and retracted into the body of the sailplane to retain the  high efficiency necessary for nonpowered flight. Most airports or glider bases have some type of pilot training  available, either through FAA-approved pilot schools or  individual FAA-certificated flight instructors. FAA-approved  glider schools usually provide a wide variety of training  aids, special facilities, and greater flexibility in scheduling.  A number of colleges and universities also provide glider  pilot training as a part of their overall pilot training curricula.  However, most glider training is conducted by individual  flight instructors through a membership in a glider club.  Also, there are several commercial glider companies located  around the United States offering flight training, sightseeing  glider rides, and glider towing services. Gliding, that is flying a glider or sailplane, is relatively easy  to learn, but soaring, which is gaining altitude and traveling  without power, is much more difficult and immensely  satisfying when accomplished. Soaring refers to the sport  of flying sailplanes, which usually includes traveling  long distances and remaining aloft for extended periods  of time. Gliders were designed and built to provide short  flights off a hill down to a landing area. Since their wings  provided relatively low lift and high drag, these simple  gliders were generally unsuitable for sustained flight using  atmospheric lifting forces. Both terms are acceptable and  are synonymous. Early gliders were easy and inexpensive  to build, and they played an important role in flight training.  The most well-known example today of a glider is the space  shuttle, which literally glides back to earth. The space  shuttle, like gliders that remain closer to the earth, cannot  sustain flight for long periods of time.  Choosing the right facility or instructor for your glider training  should be both exciting and educational. Many factors need  to be considered when choosing the right school, such as  location, type of certification, part- or full-time training, and  cost. The quality of training received should be the most  important factor. Before interviewing schools, potential  student pilots should be educated on the types of training  curriculums that are available. Pilot training is conducted in  accordance with one of two regulatory categories: Title 14  of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 141 or 14  CFR part 61. Students can receive exceptional flight training  under either part 141 or 61 training programs, as both have the  same teaching and testing requirements. What differs is the  way you are taught in order to meet those same requirements.  1-4 Figure 1-6.  A sailplane is a glider designed to fly efficienctly and  gain altitude solely from natural forces, such as thermals and  ridge waves. Figure 1-7.  An ASH 26 E self-launching sailplane with the propeller  extended. Glider Pilot Schools 