Couple of thoughts: nobody has mentioned crosswinds....
Interesting to think of the Space Shuttle as a stubby winged glider...
And if the engine quits on your aircraft, having chosen the best place to put it, endeavour to touch down as slowly as possible, on the top of the crop/trees/warehouse or parking lot.
Famous landing happened in a gliding club up North of the border.....the girlfriend in the front, the son of the owner as PIC; running a bit short of height on the down-wind, decided to elevate the turbo and fire up the engine.
Which declined to run. They landed in the club car park, on top of several cars, one of which contained an elderly couple enjoying a snack while watching the gliding. They were shocked and surprised, the girlfriend was not impressed, and the pilot suffered bruising when his father was informed.....