What term refers to the art of staying aloft by exploiting the energy of the atmosphere?

The term that refers to the art of staying aloft by exploiting the energy of the atmosphere is soaring. Soaring involves utilizing natural phenomena such as thermals (rising columns of warm air), ridge lifts (air forced upwards by a ridge or hill), and wave lifts (air currents generated by the wind interacting with terrain) to maintain altitude without the need for constant engine power. This technique allows pilots, especially in gliders, to take advantage of atmospheric conditions to gain height or travel long distances efficiently.

In contrast, flying generally describes the broader action of navigating through the air and does not specifically focus on the energy exploitation aspect. Gliding is often confused with soaring but primarily refers to moving through the air without power, typically in a controlled descent without the specific aim of utilizing environmental energy. Hovering describes a stationary flight, usually associated with helicopters or drones, where the aircraft maintains a position in the air rather than covering distance or altitude changes. Thus, soaring is distinct in its emphasis on maintaining lift and altitude through the strategic use of atmospheric energy.