glider

Small engineless aircraft that is launched by a tow plane and stays aloft on air currents.

rudder

Articulated flap at the rear of the vertical stabilizer that steers the aircraft and corrects any yaw that might occur.

vertical stabilizer

Fixed vertical part of the tail assembly that keeps the aircraft stable.

elevator

Articulated flap that is attached to the trailing edge of the horizontal stabilizer; it is used to change altitude and correct any pitch that may occur.

horizontal stabilizer

One of two wings acting as the glider’s horizontal fins; they are used to stabilize its horizontal movement.

fuselage

Body of the glider to which the wings are attached; it is shaped to travel easily through the air.

trailing edge

Back edge of the wing.

wing tip

Tapered piece that forms the lateral end of the wing.

leading edge

Front edge of the wing.

nose

Leading tip of the fuselage.

cockpit canopy

Glass surface covering the cockpit; it opens to provide access to the cockpit.

aileron

Jointed movable flap on the rear edge of the wing; it is used to maneuver the glider by adjusting wing lift.

air brake

Movable aerodynamic flap that is located on the wing; it is usually used to slow the glider during landing.

wings

Horizontal surfaces that are acted upon by aerodynamic forces to keep the glider aloft.

tail

Rear part of the fuselage.