It is not essential to the quest in Time Tangled Island, but it's helpful when you're reaching for the Peace Medal located in Leonardo da Vinci's time period.
It is necessary to help you reach the optional Viking Suit. To obtain the Viking Suit, you must travel to the Viking time period, equip the Glider, and stand on the edge of the ledge above the cave entrance. Then jump to the right and steer yourself so that you land on a ledge with the Viking Suit.