Plain English Meaning

A glider with its own engine. It can launch itself and stay airborne under power, but it is designed to fly mostly without the engine, like a regular glider.

Full Definition

A fixed-wing aircraft built primarily for soaring flight that carries an onboard engine and propeller, allowing it to take off, climb, or sustain flight under its own power without relying on a tow plane or winch launch.

Context Anchor

Seen in glider training, practice landings, and discussions of aircraft that may use power for part of the flight but still require glider-style landing judgment.

Derivation

Motor comes from the Latin word for mover, indicating the unit; glider comes from the idea of moving smoothly without power. Together they an aircraft designed first for unpowered flight with optional engine assistance.