How many gliders are there in the world?

The number of gliders in the world is difficult to determine precisely as they are not subject to registration in many countries. However, manufacturers' sales figures and estimates from gliding clubs and associations provide an indication of their approximate numbers.

According to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the international governing body for air sports, there were an estimated 60,000 gliders in use worldwide as of 2019. This includes both privately owned gliders and those operated by gliding clubs and schools.

The United States is believed to have the largest fleet of gliders in the world, with over 15,000 registered aircraft. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom also have significant numbers of gliders, with several thousand each.

In terms of manufacturers, the German company Schempp-Hirth is one of the largest producers of gliders, with models such as the Discus, Duo Discus, and Ventus being popular choices among pilots. Other well-known glider manufacturers include Rolladen-Schneider, DG Flugzeugbau, and Grob Aircraft.

The number of gliders in the world continues to grow, as the sport of gliding attracts more and more enthusiasts. Gliders are a popular choice for recreational flying due to their low operating costs, ease of maintenance, and the peaceful, serene experience of soaring through the air.