Sailplaning is a term commonly used in the aviation world that refers to the act of gliding through the air without an engine. Essentially, sailplaning involves using the natural lift of the air currents to sustain flight. There are several synonyms for this term, including gliding, soaring, and thermalling. Gliding refers to the act of using natural air currents to stay aloft, while soaring refers to the act of maintaining height by using updrafts. Thermalling, on the other hand, is a term used for a specific technique that involves flying in circles within a rising column of warm air. Regardless of the word used, sailplaning is an exhilarating experience that requires skill and precision.