Purpose

• Gliders differ from traditional airplanes in that they do not maintain an engine power source to keep themselves in the air. The purpose of the glider is to maintain lift and flight based solely on lift created from aerodynamically produced forces instead of engine power. Airplanes are more focused on powered lift production to be used for cross country travel or pilot training.
  
  

Aerodynamics

• Gliders typically have long, very aerodynamic wings and thin fuselages. Gliders are aerodynamically designed to be light and to take advantage of as much lift production as possible to maintain flight based on powerless flight. Airplane aerodynamics are calculated in relation to the engine power source used to propel the aircraft. Airplanes typically have shorter wings than gliders, and wider fuselages to carry more passengers, baggage and/or cargo.
  
  

Launching

• Gliders do not necessarily have independent means of launching. Traditional gliders are towed into the air behind an airplane and then released to conduct their flight. Some gliders are launched from ground-based launching facilities. Certain modern glider models have small engines they use to self-launch that are then turned off for their flights. These are regularly referred to as motor-gliders. Airplanes maintain a power source that is used to launch them (takeoff) without the assistance of other aircraft or facilities.
  
  

Power Sources

• Gliders usually require another aircraft to tow them into the air or a launching site. In cases where a glider has its own power source (a motor-glider), these engines are typically much less powerful than traditional airplane engines. Airplanes maintain powerful power sources designed to lift the aircraft, its passengers and cargo, while gliders require only a small power source designed to lift the aircraft and its passengers for the purpose of gliding, not for longer distance flight.
  
  

Flight Duration

• Gliders are not typically used for long distance flight. They are most commonly used for local pleasure flying. Because they are dependent on natural lift to keep themselves in the air, gliders have limited time periods during which they can maintain their flight based on local weather conditions. Airplanes are more capable, cross-country flying craft used for travel and business as well as pleasure flying. They are able to maintain lift for sustained periods of time based on the engines and fuel capacity they carry.