Hello, as every body knows, the space shuttle is gliding its way down to the earth (well is used to be), it goes at a speed of thousands of kilometres per hour and what baffles me is the fact that despite the tremendous speed it touches the ground very gently, like 'tip toes in the tulips' as tiny tim used to say. Then : why is it that modern airplanes are not using the same trick to get to the airport ??? without using any gas, Is there something I am missing here ? I know that an airplane can glide a little and also that if it is the case has little manoeuvring (spelling) power , but still , why does airplanes uses a lot of airplane fuel when actually they just have to glide to the airport ??? If you know the answer to this profound aerodynamic puzzle I will be glad to ear it. Best regards and bonne soirée, Simon plouffe