Aero Linx: The FAI Gliding Commission (IGC)
The FAI Gliding Commission (IGC) conducts FAI's gliding activities, in particular World Records and International Competitions with the exception of glider aerobatics. Gliding involves engineless aircraft that move by use of raising air known as thermals, which are cause by the sun heating the ground which in turn heats the air above it; after locating a thermal, a glider pilot will circle within the area of rising air to gain height. Other types of rising air include ridge lift, mountain waves and convergences of different air masses.