Airplanes and gliders are different. Fact.

Firstly the principal difference between an airplane and a glider is its power source. Whereas an
airplane has an internal combustion engine that generates the power to propel it forward and to
generate lift, a glider has no engine. Instead of an engine, the glider attains an initial velocity,
which produces lift, by relying on an external mechanism. In the case of a hang glider, the
person operating the glider usually runs along the side of a cliff or a hill. Larger hang gliders and
sailplanes rely on a mechanical start. The sailplane may be attached to a tow airplane, which
drags it upward into the air. At a given point, the line connecting the two crafts is disconnected.
Alternately, an automobile may serve as a towing device until the glider attains lift, much like a
person running with a kite.

Secondly the construction of sailplanes(also known as gliders) is largely similar to that of

standard airplanes. Typically, body materials include carbon composites, fiberglass or
aluminum. Some sailplanes, however, also have components made of wood or fabric stretched
over steel tubes. Hang gliders also use special fabric, like a sail or wing, stretched over a steel
frame. Toy gliders use the same principle as large-scale gliders and are typically made of balsa
wood or a similarly strong, stiff and lightweight material. A sailplane has a control panel and
guiding mechanism, just like a normal airplane. The space shuttle is another example of a
glider, as it works the same way during final descent. Naturally, its materials vary dramatically
from those found in other gliders.

Third whereas an airplane can range in size from a small biplane to a commercial jet, sailplanes
tend to have a wingspan of no more than 90 feet, and as small as 40 feet. The fuselage may
measure between 20 feet and 30 feet. The limiting factor on a glider is its weight, as no engine
is available to power lift. When empty, the glider may weigh just about 150 lbs. At the upper
limit, a large glider that accommodates up to three people could weigh up to 1,000 lbs. when
empty.

And lastly, flight performance while an airplane's flight time is only limited by its supply of fuel, a
glider's flight duration and trajectory depends entirely on the behavior of air currents. Typically, a
sailplane starting at an altitude of 3,000 feet can remain aloft for 20 to 25 minutes, assuming
that no rising air currents extend its flight. A skillful glider pilot, however, can extend the journey
by flying beneath new or mature cumulonimbus clouds, over open fields, over urban areas or
along the ridges of mountains and hills. All of these conditions can produce rising currents of air,
which improve lift.