To soar means more than just to fly; it means to rise swiftly, to feel the wind slipping below you as you ride it higher, higher, higher. Flying is just moving through the air. Soaring, though, suggests exhilaration, even joy.

How high can sailplanes fly?

How high can a glider fly? Thermals can go as high as 14,000 ft or more. The world height record is 14,102 metres (46,000 ft).

What is a soaring plane?

A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the leisure activity and sport of gliding (also called soaring). This unpowered aircraft can use naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to gain altitude.