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How do flying squirrels glide between trees?

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Do squirrels forget where they hide their food? — squirrel Overview of food-burying behaviour in squirrels.

Contrary to the implication that flying squirrels possess the ability to fly, these rodents are actually specialized gliders that do not engage in powered flight.1

To glide between trees, a flying squirrel leaps from a high point and extends its limbs to stretch a fur-covered membrane known as a patagium. This membrane, which consists of loose skin and underlying muscle, extends between the forelimbs and hind limbs, effectively transforming the animal's body into a gliding platform. A cartilaginous rod extending from the wrist helps support the front part of this structure.12

While in the air, the squirrel controls its movement by manipulating the membranes and its tail. This allows the animal to sail downward toward an adjacent tree. Just before the glide concludes, the squirrel pulls upward to land deftly on all four feet. When the animal is not gliding, these membranes are pulled close to the body.1