Flying vs. Soaring — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 20, 2024
Flying involves moving through the air using wings or propulsion, focusing on controlled navigation; soaring refers to gliding in air currents with minimal wing movement, emphasizing efficiency and elevation gain.
Difference Between Flying and Soaring
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Flying is a general term that describes the act of moving through the air, typically using wings or propulsion mechanisms like engines. This movement is characterized by active control and maneuvering. Whereas soaring is a specific type of flying that involves taking advantage of air currents to glide without the constant use of propulsion, relying on the natural dynamics of the atmosphere for lift.
While flying often requires energy to maintain altitude and speed, such as flapping wings in birds or running engines in airplanes, soaring seeks to minimize energy expenditure. Soaring creatures or vehicles use rising air currents, like thermals, to gain altitude and cover long distances without much effort.
Flying encompasses a broad range of activities from powered flight, such as airplanes and helicopters, to unpowered flight, like gliding or parachuting. On the other hand, soaring is primarily associated with birds, such as eagles and vultures, and aircraft like sailplanes that are designed to stay aloft for extended periods without engine power.
In the context of aviation, flying can require detailed planning, including fuel management, navigation, and adherence to flight regulations. Whereas soaring, particularly in gliders, involves strategic planning to identify and utilize updrafts, making it a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective form of air travel.
Flying allows for quicker travel and is often used for transportation, moving from one point to another efficiently. Soaring, while it can be used for travel, is more frequently associated with recreational activities, emphasizing the enjoyment of flight and the challenge of using natural air currents to navigate.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Moving through the air using wings or engines.
Gliding in air currents with minimal wing movement.
Energy Use
Requires constant energy for propulsion and lift.
Minimizes energy use by exploiting natural air currents.
Associated Vehicles
Airplanes, helicopters, drones.
Gliders, sailplanes.
Purpose
Transportation, movement from point A to B.
Recreation, sport, efficient long-distance travel.
Skill & Planning
Involves navigation, fuel management, adherence to laws.
Focuses on understanding weather patterns, air currents.
Compare with Definitions
Flying
The act of moving through the air, using wings or propulsion.
Birds are adept at flying, using their wings for lift.
Soaring
Extending or reaching upward.
The skyscraper soars above the cityscape.
Flying
Escaping by moving quickly.
The thief was seen flying from the scene.
Soaring
Rising rapidly.
His spirits were soaring after hearing the good news.
Flying
Moving swiftly through the air.
The ball went flying past me.
Soaring
Gliding high and with little effort, using thermal currents.
The eagle was soaring above the mountains.
Flying
Operating an aircraft.
She's learning to fly a plane.
Soaring
To achieve a high level of performance.
The team's performance soared in the second half.
Flying
Traveling by air, typically in an airplane.
We're flying to Paris for our vacation.
Soaring
Increasing rapidly in price, amount, or degree.
Temperatures are soaring this summer.
Flying
Of or relating to aviation
A flying time of three hours between cities.
Soaring
The act of gliding while maintaining altitude, especially the sport of flying a heavier-than-air craft by using ascending currents of air.
Flying
Capable of or engaged in flight
The bat is a flying mammal.
Soaring
Ascending to a level markedly higher than the usual
Soaring fuel costs.
The soaring spires of the cathedral.
Flying
Situated, extending, or functioning in the air
A flying deck.
Soaring
Present participle of soar
Flying
Swiftly moving; fleet
Played the difficult passage with flying fingers.
Soaring
The act of mounting on the wing, or of towering in thought or mind; intellectual flight.
Flying
Done or performed swiftly in or as if in the air
Crossed the goal line with a flying leap.
Soaring
Assurgent, ascending
Flying
Brief; hurried
Took a flying glance at the report.
Soaring
The activity of flying a glider
Flying
Capable of swift deployment or response; extremely mobile.
Soaring
Ascending to a level markedly higher than the usual;
Soaring prices
Flying
Set by hoisting from the deck. Used of a sail.
Soaring
Moving to great heights with little apparent effort;
A soaring eagle
Flying
Secured only at the corners. Used of a sail.
Soaring
Of imposing height; especially standing out above others;
An eminent peak
Lofty mountains
The soaring spires of the cathedral
Towering iceburgs
Flying
Flight in an aircraft or spacecraft.
Flying
The piloting or navigation of an aircraft or spacecraft.
Flying
That flies or can fly.
Flying fox
A flying rumour
Flying
Brief or hurried.
Flying visit
Flying
Capable of speed
Flying
Not secured by yards.
Flying
Capable of foiling.
Flying
Designating a cattle brand consisting of a letter extended on both sides with tilde-like curved lines.
Flying
Present participle of fly
Flying
An act of flight.
Flying
The action or process of sustained motion through the air.
Flying
The action of sustained hydrodynamic lift on hydrofoils lifting the vessel hull lifted out of the water, for sustained motion across water.
Flying
Moving in the air with, or as with, wings; moving lightly or rapidly; intended for rapid movement.
Flying
An instance of traveling by air;
Flying was still an exciting adventure for him
Flying
Capable of or engaged in flight;
The bat is a flying animal
Flying
Moving swiftly;
Fast-flying planes
Played the difficult passage with flying fingers
Flying
Streaming or flapping or spreading wide as if in a current of air;
Ran quickly, her flaring coat behind her
Flying banners
Flags waving in the breeze
Flying
Designed for swift movement or action;
A flying police squad is trained for quick action anywhere in the city
Flying
Of or relating to passage through the air especially aviation;
A flying time of three hours between cities
Unidentified flying objects
Flying
Hurried and brief;
Paid a flying visit
Took a flying glance at the book
A quick inspection
A fast visit
Flying
Done swiftly in or as if in the air; used e.g. of a racing start in which runners are already in motion as they cross the starting line;
A flying start
Crossed the goal line with a flying leap
Common Curiosities
What is soaring?
Soaring is a form of flying that relies on gliding through the air using upward air currents, with minimal active propulsion.
Can all birds soar?
Not all birds are designed to soar; soaring is more common in larger birds with wide wingspans that can efficiently use air currents.
How do birds fly?
Birds fly by flapping their wings to create lift and propulsion, allowing them to navigate and maintain altitude.
Is soaring more efficient than flying?
Yes, soaring is more energy-efficient than active flying because it relies on natural air currents to maintain altitude without constant propulsion.
What's the difference between gliding and soaring?
Gliding refers to flying without propulsion, gradually losing altitude; soaring involves using air currents to maintain or gain altitude.
What is flying?
Flying is the act of moving through the air using wings or mechanical propulsion, such as in birds or airplanes.
How do birds soar?
Birds soar by spreading their wings and using thermal updrafts or ridge lifts to glide without constantly flapping their wings.
Do airplanes soar?
Some airplanes, like gliders or sailplanes, are designed to soar by utilizing thermals, ridge lifts, or wave lifts.
Are there sports based on soaring?
Yes, gliding or soaring is a popular recreational and competitive sport involving flying sailplanes or hang gliders.
How do pilots find thermals for soaring?
Pilots look for signs like cumulus clouds, birds circling, or changes in the vario (vertical speed indicator) to find thermals.
Can humans fly or soar without vehicles?
Humans cannot naturally fly or soar; they require tools or vehicles, like airplanes or hang gliders, to experience flying or soaring.
Is soaring safe?
Soaring, like any form of flying, involves risks but can be very safe with proper training and understanding of air currents and weather conditions.
What skills are necessary for soaring?
Soaring requires skills in weather prediction, understanding air currents, and strategic planning to optimize the use of updrafts.
Is flying more versatile than soaring?
Flying is more versatile in terms of conditions, purposes, and vehicles used, ranging from helicopters to jets.
Can soaring be done over the ocean?
Soaring over the ocean is challenging due to the lack of thermal updrafts, but sea breezes can create lift conditions along coastlines.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
