The fuselage serves a number of functions. The forward section is expanded as the cockpit which contains the seating for the pilot, the glider controls and instruments. The midsection is the attachment point for the wings and undercarriage. The rear section, or “tailboom” is narrower to minimise weight and drag. Its length provides the leverage for the empennage(the term for the fin and rudder, and the tailplane and elevator) to control the gliders direction of flight.

The fuselage is carefully streamlined to minimise the drag of moving through the air. It, like the other main parts of the glider, may be constructed of a number of alternative materials, fibre reinforced plastic (glass, kevlar or carbon fibre), metal, wood or steel tube and fabric. The material chosen depends on the required performance, ruggedness and cost.

The cockpit contains the seating and harnesses for the pilot, usually in a semi-reclining position. In front of the pilot will be the instrument console, and the various flight controls.

Some gliders, including all training gliders, provide space for a second pilot or instructor. Usually the second seat is in a tandem, or one behind the other arrangement. In training gliders the instructor is usually located in the rear seat.

The canopy is manufactured from clear or tinted plexiglass to provide a wide angle of visibility for the pilot. It is carefully contoured to maintain the streamlining of the fuselage.

It is hinged to enable the pilot to enter and leave the aircraft. Provision is made for the canopy to be jettisoned in the event of catastrophic damage to the glider in flight (a parachute is usually worn by the pilot).