how to make a good paper airplane design

Paper Airplane Designs

A database of paper airplanes with easy to follow folding instructions, video tutorials and printable folding plans. find the best paper airplanes that fly the furthest and stay aloft the longest. learn how to make paper airplanes that will impress your friends., search airplanes, parents & teachers, become a member.

• Printable Folding Plans
• Downloadable Activities
• Customize your License
• Save Your Favorites

About Fold'NFly

For more than 10 years, Fold'NFly has been teaching people around the world how to make paper airplanes . Our extensive database of designs includes step-by-step instructions, video guides and printable templates where you simply fold on the numbered lines to get a perfect paper plane, every time.

In addition to the paper airplane plans, we have a collection of expert tips & tricks that will help you perfect your folded aircraft and achieve optimal performance. We also have a collection of paper airplane articles on a variety of topics that enthusiasts may find interesting. For example, discover some paper airplane world records or learn how to make a paper airplane launcher .

Whether you are an expert paper airplane ace pilot or a novice student aviator, we have something for everyone. We hope that you will enjoy this fun activity and share it with friends and family.

Please select your preferred language:

How to Make the Best Paper Airplane for Long Flights

Family Fun | 8 comments

My kids LOVE paper air planes. No really. They waste so much of my printer paper folding and folding trying to make the best paper airplane EVER.

Over the years they have gone from the Klutz Paper Airplane book to studying how-tos on websites to combining their favorite folds to create their own paper airplane designs.

** This website contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please click here for more information about cookies collected and our privacy policy **.

Today, I am bringing you step-by-step paper airplane instructions for The Duck . Don’t ask where the name came from, who knows how the mind of a 12 year old boy works!

This plane works really well! It is a glider that uses wind to help keep it in flight longer and it does a few stunts- like loops before sailing over the grass.

After the instructions, I’ve included some tips for flying this paper airplane, PLUS a video to see it in action!

How to Make the Best Paper Airplane for Distance

I’ve provided step by step instructions for how to make this paper airplane design.

Sometimes pictures are easier to understand than words for learning how to create things! Let’s get started!

Take a standard sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 inch piece of paper.

Fold in in half long ways, then unfold.

Fold the top edges in so that they line up with the center line. At this point, this should look very similar to the most basic paper airplane design.

Fold the top point down so that it touches the bottom edge of the paper.

Then fold the point back up, starting about 1.5 inches from the top edge. (Shown in picture 6)

Fold the side edges in as shown in picture number 7.

Fold the top back down along the top edge of the folds made in the previous step.

Flip the paper air plane over, and fold in half towards you.

Fold the the wing back as shown in image 11. The wing will be at a slight angle.

Flip over and fold the second wing in the same manner.

Crease well and you are done!

Tips for Flying this Paper Air Plane Glider:

• Throw the paper airplane with a medium weight- not too hard and not too soft
• Have the wings pointed slightly upwards
• Throw the airplane at a 45 degree angle
• The plane flies best standing on top of a hill, throwing down hill
• Fly the paper airplane with the wind direction
• This glider does best outside, where wind can offer some lift

You May Also Like: 20 Activities to Do With Your Kids this Summer

Paper Airplane Test Flight

Want to see this paper airplane glider in action?? Check out this video of a few of the test flights!

Isn’t it amazing?! Even my 2 year old could toss this one in the air and have it soar away! The kids made at least a half dozen of the same design to test and they all worked amazingly!

Try it out- let me know what you think!

*This paper airplane was created and designed by my 12 year old son, who wanted  paper airplane that flies far. (Want to see more of his paper air plane designs? Check out his site Paper Airplane World !)

Save & Share!

May I get some activities which I download and use

You lose me at 10-11. No idea what you’re talking about.

Step 10. Fold the paper in half so the folds from 6 to 8 are showing. Step 11. Fold the wing down so it is even with the bottom of the plane.

Hope this helps!

Know the feeling I am the same lost at 10-11 no idea what this is, glad to see its not just me that is lost lol 🙁

Amazing flight!!!

IT TO HARD AT THE LAST STEP IT DO HARD

Holy cow, this plane is good =)

I made one of these for my 5yr old daughter. I told her and my 11yr old boy to take it outside and play with it…they have been out there for more than an hour 😁

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Love Everyday Chaos & Calm?

Did you enjoy these free printables? Support my work!

• Paper Airplane

How to Make a Paper Airplane: 29 Easy Designs with Steps

Home > How to Make a Paper Airplane: 29 Easy Designs with Steps

Paper airplanes have captivated the hearts and minds of both young and old, offering a simple yet delightful way to explore the fascinating world of flight. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the basics of crafting paper airplanes and introduce you to 29 distinctive designs to spark your creativity.

In this article, we will show exactly how to fold 29 of the best paper airplane designs out there.

What Makes a Paper Airplane Fly?

Understanding the Principles Behind Paper Aircraft Flight

Delving into the science that underpins the flight of paper airplanes can elevate your enjoyment of crafting and piloting these paper marvels. Numerous factors contribute to the performance of a paper airplane:

Aerodynamics: The shape and dimensions of the wings, alongside the overall design, wield substantial influence. This interplay dictates the lift generated by the wings, as well as the combined effects of drag and gravity, ultimately dictating the flight trajectory.

Balance: Attaining an equilibrium in the center of gravity is pivotal for flight stability. Any deviation, be it a nose-heavy or tail-heavy configuration, can hinder a straight and steady flight path.

Airflow Dynamics: The manner in which air flows both over and beneath the wings exerts a profound impact on lift generation. Wings with smoother, streamlined profiles typically yield superior flight performance.

Launch Technique: The force applied and the angle at which you release the paper airplane into the air significantly shape its flight trajectory. Experimenting with various launch techniques can refine and optimize flight performance.

The 2023 Record for Paper Airplane Flight

Turning to the present year of 2023, the distinction for the greatest distance traveled by a paper airplane rests in the capable hands of John Collins, a distinguished aerospace engineer. This extraordinary feat was accomplished back in February 2012 when Collins’s paper creation, affectionately named “Suzanne,” embarked on an astonishing journey, covering an impressive distance of 69.14 meters (equivalent to 226 feet and 10 inches). Collins’s remarkable achievement not only epitomizes the sheer delight found in crafting and guiding paper airplanes through the air but also underscores the immense distances these meticulously designed marvels can traverse when launched with precision.

In Conclusion

Crafting a paper airplane is a straightforward and enjoyable undertaking, devoid of the necessity for video tutorials. Armed with the requisite folding techniques and meticulous attention to detail, you can give life to your aerial masterpiece. An appreciation for the underlying science of paper airplane flight will undoubtedly deepen your enjoyment of this enduring pastime. So, seize a sheet of paper, initiate the art of folding, and release your imagination as your paper creation embarks on its airborne journey. Who knows? You may very well find yourself in the annals of history, having shattered the world record someday!

So, let’s start, shall we?

Challenge your folding skills with an intricate origami-inspired design that’s both art and aircraft.

Air rider is a decorative type of paper airplane. Although it is easy to fold, it requires attention to get the design right.

Folding instructions of Air Rider paper airplane

Time : 5 min

Supply : Paper A4 if you have

Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)

fold the corner to the side

cut the spare paper

fold the top corner down leaving about an inch or 2.5cm from the bottom

fold one of the conners up half of the height of your previous fold

fold the paper in half

fold the wing in an angle as shown

fold the left edge down on itself

fold the other wing in an angle as shown

very nice decorative bird like plane

enjoy flying this plane 🙂

The foundation of all paper airplanes , this design is perfect for beginners. It’s easy to fold and flies straight.

Folding instructions of The O.G paper airplane

fold the corner into the center of the page

fold the other corner into the center of the page

fold the triangle again to the center

fold the other triangle again to the center

fold the wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom

fold the other wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom

very fast airplane for long distances

If you seek smooth, long-distance flights, this design will glide gracefully through the air.

Folding instructions of Arrow Piercing paper airplane

now fold the paper in half

fold the egde again aligning it with the middle fold line

fold the other egde again aligning it with the middle fold line

fold the wing about 1 cm or 1/2″

fold the other wing about 1 cm or 1/2″

fold the adge of the wing up

fold the adge of other the wing up

fast and long distands airplane

Air jumper paper airplane might be a bit tricky as it is not very easy nor does it require expert skills. You can redo some steps until you’re able create the design.

There you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!

Folding instructions of Air Jumper paper airplane

fold the botton corner to the opposite upper conrner

fold the fold about 1 cm or 1/2″ upwards

fold the wing with a slight angle

fold the other wing with a slight angle

fold the wing parallel to the middle fold

fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold

there you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!

Bongo-Longo is an easy to create paper airplane. The step-by-step instructions below are easily understandable. Also, you can fly this paper airplane for a distance.

Folding instructions of Bongo-Longo paper airplane

fold the half in half again

open the paper

fold the top to the middle

fold the top corners top the lines that were created by the fold

fold the triengles that were created inwards and fold the paper down

fold the sides to the middle

fold the wing from the centerfold

fold the other wing from the centerfold

slowly gliding in circles

For the newbies, cripper paper airplane might need some skills to get it right. Therefore, you may need to recreate the design for a few times to grasp the instructions and build Cripper.

Folding instructions of Cripper paper airplane

start with a squar page

fold the paper to a triangle

fold the bottom of the trianlgle up about 1″ or 2.5cm

fold the wing like the picture

fold the other side the same

now fold the wing parallel to the middle fold

now fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold

difficult plane to fold and to fly not for noobs!

This is a hard to create paper airplane. However, it can fly through the air for a distance.

which can make up for the time we delayed in its construction.

Folding instructions of Float Master paper airplane

place a paper

fold the left corner to the right edge

fold the right corner to the left edge

fold the triangles in as shown

fold the loose right side up towards the top edge

do the same for the right side

move the fold to the left and fold the right side to the middle fold

same for the other side

fold the airplane in half

fold the wing a little bit tilted from the center fold

fold the other wing bit tilted from the center fold

now fold the triangle that was left a little bit tilted from the center fold as shown

do the same to the other side

depends on how you tilt the folds, it will fly differently

You need to make about seventeen folds to create Flybird paper airplane. It is hard to create this design and redoing some steps or the whole process can help you improve your skills.

Folding instructions of Flybird paper airplane

fold the paper in half and open it

fold top right corner to the left side the bottom that was created is used to mark as the line to fold to in the next step, open the paper

fold the paper to the mark in the previous step

open the paper and fold it to the fold line that was created

fold it again

fold the right side as shown

do the same to the left side

now fold the edges again to the center fold

fold the tip to the place where the folds from the previos step meet

fold a wing with a slight angle as shown

do the same to the other wing

make another fold to the wing

try playing with the folds of the wings for better results

This decorative type paper airplane can be hard to create. While it takes about nineteen folds to create it, it can fly in the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of Flying Angel paper airplane

fold the top of the paper randomly toward the middle of he paper

fold the left corner paraller to the center fold as shown

flip the paper and do the same to the other side

open the fold and fold the right sidde to the fold line that was created

fold it againg to the center fold

fold the top to the bottom

fold it again up close and parallel to the middle horizontal fold

fold the right “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown

fold the left “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown

fold a wing parallel to the center fold

fold the other wing parallel to the center fold

fold the edge of he wing parallel to the wing

fold the other edge of he wing parallel to the wing

try to make it symmetrical as possible for better performance

Little One is a hard to make paper airplane. Thus, it may require some practice to get it right. Nonetheless, you can fly it for long distance in the air.

Folding instructions of Little One paper airplane

fold the triangle to the bottom

fold the triangle again upwards about 1 cm or 1/2″ from the top

fold the triangle again downwards to the bottom of the previos fold

fold the wing paralel to the middle fold

good for long distances

one more step and you there

Although it only takes about nine folds to create NARO, it is a hard to make paper airplane. It can fly high in the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of NARO paper airplane

fold the paper in half and open it up (to find the middle)

fold the paper to the middle

fold it again to the bottom of the fold

fold the paper in half away from you

fold a wing

fold the other wing

open the folded wings (to the end of step 5) and cut that shape as shown

fold the wings again and there you have it

It is an acrobatic paper airplane that requires about thirteen folds to create it. You may need some extra minutes to create a perfect design since it is a medium difficulty level paper airplane.

Folding instructions of Never Leave Me paper airplane

fold the paper 90 degrees in half

fold the top corners to the middle fold

fold the paper in half again

now again fold the top corner to the bottom

do the same for the other corner

fold the wing parallel to the center fold

fold the edge of the wing

fold the other edge of the wing

maneuver airplane

NOBACA is a hard to create paper airplane. Therefore, you may need to exercise patience and maybe recreate the designs for a few times to get it right.

Folding instructions of NOBACA paper airplane

fold the corner to the bottom

cut the spare paper (save it)

fold the paper to the other direction

fold the triangles that were created inwards

fold the botton corner to the top corner

repeat for the other corner

fold the part you cut from earlier in half

fold the top corner of the part to the middle fold

fold the other top corner of the part to the middle fold

put the part inside the folded paper until the edge

fold the edge to the middle fold as shown

repeat for the other edge

fold the top down of the lines that were created

find the right grip for you try to leave it as open as you can when throwing it!

It is a medium difficulty level paper airplane. Besides, it can fly for a distance through the air. Thus, enjoy flying it on an open space.

Folding instructions of NONO paper airplane

cut the edge in an arch shape

open the paper and fold the top corners to the middle fold line

fold the triangles that were created down

fold the top corners in 45 degrees to meat the lines of the folded triangle

fold the top part about 1.5 cm or 1/2″

fold the wings parallel to the center fold

it flies in a circular motion

Open Last is an acrobatic type of paper airplane that needs expert skills to create it. Hence, more guidance, practice, and patience are needed to perfect this design.

Folding instructions of Open Last paper airplane

fold the upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold

fold the other upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold

open the page the fold the triangles that created together to the bottom center of the fold and create a “tail”

fold the tail that was created to a shape of a diamond

fold the wing upwards

fold the other wing upwards

fold the wing again to the back

fold the other wing again to the back

very fast airplane, the folds are a bit tricky try folding step 10 not all the way down and see if you get better results

This acrobatic type of paper airplane requires medium difficulty level. Therefore, with eleven folds, you can recreate for a few times to achieve the design.

Folding instructions of Playing in Clouds paper airplane

fold the edge of the wing up

fold the edge of other the wing up

try playing with the place you fold the wings and the edge of the wings for better results

Although Shadow Drop paper airplane requires medium difficulty level, you can follow the instructions and nail it even for the first time. Besides, it is a great design to try.

Folding instructions of Shadow Drop paper airplane

open the paper and fold the top top the centerfold as shown

fold the edges to the fold line

fold the edges again down to the fold line

fold the top to the fold line as shown

fold the wing

fold the front of the wings a little down for better glide

Although Skyhunter belongs to medium difficulty level category, you can get its folds by observation. Also, Skyhunter can fly for a distance through the air.

Folding instructions of Skyhunter paper airplane

open the page

fold about quarter of the page

fold that quarter in half

fold that half in another half

fold the wing in a slight angle towards the front

fold the other wing in a slight angle towards the front

long distance flight

This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to fold it right. Thus, it may take time to get the folds and create the perfect paper airplane.

Folding instructions of Tales of Wind and Love paper airplane

fold the paper about the upper third down as shown

fold the paper in half to the side

fold the top left corner down to the right side

open the paper and fold the corners inside as shown

fold the middle right corner inside the fold to the left edge

do the same for the left middle corner

flip the paper and fold it down to the bottom

using a ruler fold the edges as shown

fold the tip up as shown

fold the wings

fold the edges of the wings

glides nicely

The Crazy Plane is an acrobatic type of paper airplane. It takes about twelve folds to achieve the design. Some folds may require attention and recreating them for a few times to get them right.

Folding instructions of The Crazy Plane paper airplane

flip the paper and fold the top right to about quarter of the bottom as shown

do the same to the other corner

fold the two triangles that were created up and fold the paper down

fold the sides to the center fold

fold everything up as shown

fold the corners in as shown

now fold the wings as shown

It is a decorative type of paper airplane. However, it is a hard design that may take time and skills to get it right.

Folding instructions of The Last Son of Sky paper airplane

fold the wing to meat the edge in a straight line as shown

now fold the wing again to the other direction parallel to the center fold line

open the fold and fold the top edge down

fold the top edge up again as shown

super cool looking airplane unfortunately doesn’t fly well

Creating the Rainmaker paper airplane can be hard. With twenty folds, you can create a paper airplane that can fly for distance through the air.

Folding instructions of The Rainmaker paper airplane

fold the top right corner to the center fold

fold the top left corner to the centerfold

fold the upper left line of the tiengle to the right side as shown

do the same to the right side

flip the paper

fold the triangle that was created as shown

fold an accordion fold as shown

fold the two corners inside as shown

fold the wing as shown

do the same for the other edge

try folding the wings larger for different gliding results

You can create this great design with ten folds. Although you may recreate it for a few times or redo some steps, it is an exciting paper airplane to try.

Folding instructions of The Rising paper airplane

fold the triangles where they meet down in a stright line

fold the triangle to the middle fold line

fold the other triangle to the middle fold line

fold the tip on to the second triangles

fold the plane in half and fold the wing in a stright line

fold the other wing in a stright line

try throughing it up side down!

The Wind Crusher is a hard acrobatic paper airplane. For this, it may take you some time to learn it for a perfect design.

Folding instructions of The Wind Crusher paper airplane

fold the tringles in as shown

fold the loose right side up torwards the top edge

same for the right side

fold that to the middle fold as shown

open the left sidwe and fold it in as shown

fold the tringles down as shown

move the left tringle and fold the left side to the center

do the same to the tight side

fold the tringles you moved on the sides

fold the top down as shown

This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to nail it. Even so, you can dedicate a few minutes a day to learn its eighteen folds.

Folding instructions of Ultimatu paper airplane

fold top right corner to the left side and open the paper

fold top left corner to the right side and open the paper

fold an accordion fold inward like shown

fold the right side up to the top as shown

fold the left side up to the top as shown

the the right fold again parallel to the center fold

the the left fold again parallel to the center fold

fold the top of the triangle on top the previous folds as shown

insert the right fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold

insert the left fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold

fold the left side in an imaginary line that stretches from the top left corner to the bottom left corner as shown

fold the tip of the left fold that was created parallel to the left side

fold the tip of the right fold that was created parallel to the right side

fold the middle of the tale inwards and done!

This is an easy to fold type of paper airplane. With only eight folds, you can create Vertical Drop with the first attempt.

Folding instructions of Vertical Drop paper airplane

fold the plane in half

fold the wing in a stright line

This is an expert difficulty level acrobatic paper airplane. Therefore, it may require practice and a lot of learning to get the perfect design.

Folding instructions of When Love Fails paper airplane

fold the paper down not until the end

move the right side of the triangle and fold the right side parallel to the center fold as shown

do the same for the left side

flip the paper and fold it down as shown

fold the top up as shown

tell up in what direction it flies for you!

White Cloud is an acrobatic paper airplane that takes five minutes to create. However, it may require attention to get it right if you’re a newbie.

Folding instructions of White Cloud paper airplane

open the paper fold it down in the middle of the X shape that was created

open the paper and fold the triangles in as shown

fold the loose right side down towards the middle fold

flip the paper and fold the top egde down to the bottom

flip the paper again and fold the top egde up as shown

fold the parallel to the center fold

Although this is a medium difficulty level paper airplane, you can create it with just one attempt. Also, it can fly through the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of White Feather paper airplane

open the second fold and fold the top corner to the middle fold as shown

fold the other top corners to the middle fold

now again fold the top corner to the middle fold

fold the top of the paper down as shown

you can fold the wing edges up or down for different performance!

People Who Read This Article Also Read

• paper airplane without using a video
• video tutorials
• Wing Styles and Distance
• World Records in Paper Airplanes
• Ultimate Paper Plane Launchers!

Important Links

• Privacy Policy
• How to Make a Paper Airplane

Copyright © 2022 by wowfold.com

• Feb 7, 2019

How to Design Your Own Paper Airplane (Ep.1) — The Four Major Forces

Updated: Feb 10, 2019

So you’re tired of folding everyone else’s paper airplanes and you want to design your own, but you’re not sure how to begin. Perfect! This post was written just for you. I cover the topic in the video above, but I'll give you a nice summary below!

In order to design our own paper airplanes, we'll want to first examine some existing designs and see if we can figure out what makes them successful. Let’s begin by considering the four major forces that act on any plane. We have Thrust — that’s what makes a plane go forward, Drag — that’s what slows a plane down, Gravity — which pulls the plane back to the earth, and Lift — which keeps the plane aloft. To create a successful paper airplane design, you should maximize Thrust and Lift, and minimize Drag. It would also help to minimize gravity, but we can’t easily do that without leaving the planet. So we’ll assume that gravity remains the same for each paper airplane.

SO HOW DO WE MAXIMIZE LIFT AND MINIMIZE DRAG?

On real airplanes, thrust is created by turbines and can continue to be created during the course of flight. But all of a paper airplane’s thrust comes from the initial throw. So in order to maximize the amount of thrust your paper airplane can achieve, it needs to be constructed in such a way that it can be thrown quite hard. Planes that can withstand a high launch velocity will fly farthest or for the longest amount of time.

In order for a paper airplane to survive hard throws, its wings must have strong leading edges. You can see in the image below, I’ve folded several of my planes out of a transparent vellum. Though the construction of each plane is dramatically different, each of them has the highest concentration of layers on the front edge of its wings. This helps the wing hold its shape at high speeds, and maximizes its potential thrust.

It’s no secret that it’s the wings of your paper airplane that are generating it’s lift. So you should just make the wings as big as possible, right? Well, yes! And still somehow no. This is one of the balancing acts of designing a paper airplane. The longer you make the wings of your airplane, the less paper you have left to fold strong leading edges, therefore requiring a softer throw and reducing your plane’s thrust potential. It’s also likely to stall if the center of gravity isn’t far enough forward. And the wider you make the wings of your plane, the more they’ll want to bend, even in spite of their strong leading edges — again reducing it’s thrust potential.

The balancing act continues when you consider the angle of your wings. Wings that are flat produce the most lift, and are often employed on planes that are designed to fly for long amounts of time. But if you angle the wings slightly upward, your plane will gain directional stability at the expense of some lift. This is called dihedral angle and is employed on many distance models. Angling the wings downward sacrifices both lift and directional stability and is only used in a few specific scenarios — like if you’re trying to get a plane to fly back to you.

So you can see that, while it would be nice to be able to fold huge wings and maximize lift, there are some other design challenges to take into consideration. And while maximizing lift is a good goal in theory, a more realistic goal is to try and achieve the most lift possible without compromising the plane’s structural integrity or — if you want it to fly far — the plane’s directional stability. It’s good to experiment with different wing sizes and angles for any given design to try and find the best balance for the performance you’re hoping to achieve.

HOW DO WE MINIMIZE DRAG?

As your paper airplane moves forward, it has to push air molecules out of its way. The less air your plane has to move, the less drag it will encounter. There are many ways to reduce drag on a paper airplane, but the most important one is to fold your plane in such a way that it has as few forward-facing pockets as possible. These pockets catch air as the plane moves forward and will dramatically decrease its performance. This is a rule I sometimes break for the sake of aesthetics, but it always comes at a cost.

Let’s recap the things we’ve discussed in this post. If you’re hoping to design a high performance paper airplane, there are three major goals you should aim for:

1. Maximize Thrust

You achieve this by folding strong wings with many layers on their leading edges so you can throw the plane hard.

2. Maximize Lift without sacrificing too much in other areas

This is a balancing act in which you try to find the right wing size and angle without

compromising wing strength or directional stability.

3. Minimize Drag

While there are additional ways to achieve this (that I may discuss in future videos) the

fundamental rule here is to fold a plane without any forward facing pockets.

And there you go! Armed with those principals, you now know generally what it takes to make a good paper airplane. Get out there and get folding!

Recent Posts

The World Record Falls (Again!!!)

A New World Record! (Paper Airplane Distance)

Competing Against the Best — Red Bull Paper Wings 2022

Bruh how do you fold that Paper airplane on the Red Bull paper wings 2022 video?

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun

wee wee wee

The Ultimate Guide to Making Paper Airplanes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making paper airplanes Whether you’re a novice looking to learn the basics or an experienced enthusiast seeking new designs, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of paper aviation. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you create an amazing paper airplane that soars through the skies.

Table of Contents

1. introduction, 2. materials needed, 3. basic folding techniques, 4. simple paper airplane designs, 5. intermediate paper airplane designs, 6. advanced paper airplane designs, 7. tips for achieving distance and accuracy, 8. frequently asked questions, introduction:.

Paper airplanes have fascinated people of all ages for generations. The joy of folding a simple sheet of paper into a flying machine is truly unmatched. It’s a fun and educational activity that encourages creativity and experimentation. Whether you’re a child or an adult, making paper airplanes is a delightful way to spend your time. So, let’s dive into the world of paper aviation and learn how to make incredible flying creations.

Materials Needed:

To get started, you’ll need a few basic materials. Don’t worry; these items are easy to find and are probably already lying around your house:

• Sheets of paper (standard letter size or A4)
• Scissors (for certain designs)
• Ruler (optional, but helpful for precise measurements)

Now that you have your materials ready, let’s move on to the next section and learn some essential folding techniques.

Basic Folding Techniques:

Before we begin crafting specific paper airplane designs , it’s important to familiarize yourself with a few basic folding techniques. These techniques form the foundation of most paper airplane constructions. Mastering them will enable you to create sturdy and aerodynamic planes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Valley Fold:

Fold the paper in half from top to bottom, aligning the edges perfectly. Crease the fold with your fingers or a ruler to create a sharp, crisp edge.

2. Mountain Fold:

Unfold the paper if you’ve performed a valley fold. Now, fold the paper in half from left to right, again aligning the edges accurately. This time, the folded portion should be on the outside, creating a raised or mountain-like fold.

3. Pleat Fold:

Create multiple valley and mountain folds in alternating directions. This folding technique is useful for adding stability and shape to your paper airplanes.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend some time honing your folding skills before attempting more complex designs. Once you’re comfortable with the basic techniques, it’s time to explore different paper airplane designs.

Simple Paper Airplane Designs

Let’s start with some simple yet effective paper airplane designs that are perfect for beginners. These designs are easy to fold and provide a great foundation for understanding the principles of flight. Here are three designs to get you started:

Krypton Ship | Kryptor

• Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
•  Fold the top corners diagonally to the center fold creating two triangular flaps.
• Fold the entire model in half along the center fold, with the flaps on the outside.
• Create small wing flaps by folding the angled edges inward.
• Your dart paper airplane is ready to fly.

Glider Flight | Soaring Glide Paperplane

• Begin with a sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
• Unfold the paper and make a small valley fold along the center crease.
• Fold the top edges diagonally to the center fold, creating two triangular flaps.
• Fold the newly formed triangle flaps in half again, this time bringing the folded edges to the outer edges.
• Adjust the wing flaps to achieve desired stability.
• Your glider paper airplane is ready to soar through the air

3. Nakamura Dart:

Nakamura Lock Dart Paper Airplane

• Start with a sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
• Unfold the paper and fold the top edges diagonally to the center fold, creating two triangular flaps.
• Take the top layer of each flap and fold it downward, aligning the bottom edge with the center fold.
• Flip the model over and repeat the previous step.
• Fold the model in half lengthwise.
• Fold the wings down along the existing creases.
• Your Nakamura dart paper airplane is set to take flight

These simple designs should give you a taste of the possibilities. Experiment with different paper sizes, wing shapes, and adjustments to see how they affect flight performance.

Intermediate Paper Airplane Designs:

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move on to intermediate paper airplane designs. These designs incorporate more advanced folding techniques and offer improved flight characteristics. Here are three designs to challenge your skills:

1. Boomerang:

How to Make a Boomerang Plane

• Begin with a sheet of paper and fold it in half diagonally, creating a triangle.
• Unfold the paper and fold the top edges toward the center fold, forming a diamond shape.
• Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, creating a smaller triangle.
• Fold the right side of the triangle inward along the center crease.
• Repeat the previous step with the left side of the triangle.
• Fold the entire model in half along the center crease.
• Your boomerang paper airplane is ready to come back to you
• Unfold the paper and fold the top corners toward the center fold, creating two triangular flaps.
• Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, aligning it with the center crease.
• Fold the entire model in half along the center crease, with the flaps on the outside.
• Fold the wings down along the existing creases to create stability.
• Your Zazoom paper airplane is set for high-speed flights

3. Slick Slider:

Slick Slider | Easy Slide

• Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half diagonally, creating a triangle.
•  Unfold the paper and fold the top corners toward the center point, forming two smaller triangles.
•  Fold the top edges of the smaller triangles toward the center fold.
•  Fold the entire model in half along the center crease, with the flaps on the outside.
•  Create wing flaps by folding the angled edges inward.
•  Your slick slider paper airplane is ready to glide smoothly through the air

Keep practicing these designs and experiment with different adjustments to improve their performance. Once you feel confident, it’s time to explore advanced paper airplane designs.

Advanced Paper Airplane Designs:

If you’re up for a challenge, advanced paper airplane designs will push your skills to the limit. These designs require precise folding and attention to detail. Here are three designs that will impress even the most seasoned paper aviators:

1. Valkyrie:

• Unfold the paper and fold the top corners toward the center point, forming two smaller triangles.
• Fold the model in half along the center crease, with the flaps on the outside.
• Fold the wing flaps inward, aligning them with the center crease.
• Fold the tip of the triangle down to create the nose of the airplane.
• Your Valkyrie paper airplane is ready for epic flights

2. Skorpion:

•  Start with a sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
•  Unfold the paper and fold the top corners toward the center fold, creating two triangular flaps.
•  Fold the top edge of each flap downward, aligning it with the bottom edge.
•  Fold the wing flaps downward along the existing creases to create stability.
•  Your Skorpion paper airplane is ready to strike the skies
• Fold the top edge of each flap downward, aligning it with the bottom edge.
• Fold the wing flaps downward along the existing creases to create stability.
• Your Racer paper airplane is ready for high-speed races

These advanced designs require patience and precision. Take your time, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get them right. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Tips for Achieving Distance and Accuracy

To make your paper airplanes fly farther and more accurately, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Paper Selection: Choose lightweight paper for distance flights and heavier paper for stability and accuracy.

2. Smooth Folds: Make clean and precise folds to ensure aerodynamic integrity.

3. Aerodynamic Adjustments: Experiment with wing shapes, wing angles, and tail flaps to optimize flight performance.

4. Launch Technique: Hold your paper airplane by the bottom center and release it with a smooth, level throw.

5. Trimming: If your airplane consistently veers to one side, adjust the wings slightly to counterbalance the flight path.

6. Environment: Fly your paper airplanes in open spaces with minimal wind for better control and longer flights.

By implementing these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the performance of your paper airplanes and achieve impressive distances and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

To make a paper airplane, follow these simple steps:    – Start with a rectangular sheet of paper.    – Fold the paper in half lengthwise to form a crease.    – Open the paper and fold the top corners inward to the center crease.    – Fold the newly formed triangle down to create the nose of the airplane. – Fold the wings down from the top edges to create stability.    – Adjust the wings, tail flaps, and overall shape as desired.    – Your paper airplane is ready to fly

Lightweight paper, such as printer paper or origami paper, is commonly used for paper airplanes. However, you can experiment with different paper weights and textures to achieve varying flight characteristics.

To make a paper airplane perform tricks, you can experiment with various adjustments and techniques. Some tricks include loops, barrel rolls, and flips. Adjust the wing flaps, add weight to specific areas, or launch the airplane at different angles to achieve different tricks.

Absolutely Decorating your paper airplanes can add a personal touch and make them more visually appealing. Use markers, colored pencils, or stickers to customize your designs. Just remember not to make the airplane too heavy with excessive decorations, as it may affect its flight performance.

Congratulations You’ve completed the ultimate guide to making paper airplanes. With the step-by-step instructions, folding techniques, and various designs provided, you’re well-equipped to create amazing paper aircraft. Remember to practice, experiment, and have fun along the way. Happy flying.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 100 Day Dream Home
• Bargain Block
• Battle on the Beach
• Battle on the Mountain
• Building Roots
• Celebrity IOU
• Christina on the Coast
• Down Home Fab
• Farmhouse Fixer
• Fixer to Fabulous

Help! I Wrecked My House

House hunters.

• Lil Jon Wants to Do What?

Love It or List It

• Married to Real Estate
• My Lottery Dream Home
• No Demo Reno
• Property Brothers: Forever Home
• Renovation Aloha
• Rico to the Rescue

Rock the Block

• Small Town Potential
• Tough Love With Hilary Farr
• Ugliest House in America

Unsellable Houses

• Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?
• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• HGTV Smart Home 2024: Take the Tour
• Living the Dream $10K Giveaway
• Spring Into Cooking $5K Giveaway
• Spring It Forward $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule
• Get inspired! Sign up for our newsletters for the latest ideas, products and projects.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

Want even more inspiration?

• HGTV Shopping
• HGTV Makeovers
• HGTV This Week
• HGTV Gardens and Outdoors
• HGTV Weekend Projects
• Make and Celebrate

How to Make a Paper Airplane

Learn the simple steps for high-flying fun with this tutorial on five basic paper airplane patterns.

Related To:

Test your paper folding technique with these paper airplane examples. Whether you are looking for a quick diversion from the grind of adulthood or are teaching a youngster DIY skills, these planes are a great way to add a little levity to your day. The examples below are all beginner or intermediate level. The materials are cheap and only require paper, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and some double stick tape (optional) to complete.

Paper Airplane DIY

Create fun and simple paper airplanes

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

For best results use a flat, thin-edged ruler. Make good creases along each edge. Adding double stick tape to the inside of the body keeps the wings from separating in flight.

The most basic version. A simple standard that everyone should know how to make.

• Fold the paper in half vertically.
• Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the center line.
• Fold the top edges into the center line.
• Fold the plane in half toward you.
• Fold the wings down, matching the top edges up with the bottom edge of the body.
• Add double stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.

This one is built for distance, plus it just looks cool.

• Fold the peak toward you and 3/4” from the bottom of the paper.
• Fold both top corners into the center line.
• Fold the remaining tip over the two flaps at the center line to lock them in place.
• Fold the plane in half away from you.
• Fold the wings down 1” from the bottom of the plane.
• Fold up the sides of each wing 1/2” tall.
• Cut two small slits at the back of each wing. Fold up the tabs.

Built correctly, this bee-like beauty stays in the air for a long time.

• Fold the paper in half horizontally.
• Fold the peak down to meet the edge of the previous fold.
• Fold the upper sides into the center line.
• Fold the top edge 1/2” away from you.
• Fold the plane in half towards you.
• Fold the wings down 1/2” from the bottom of the plane.

Count on speed and distance from this sleek plane.

• Unfold the paper and fold the top edge down 2”.
• Fold the top edge down again to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
• Fold the top edge down one more time to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
• Fold the top edges down and away from you to the center line on the back of the paper.
• Starting at the top of the thick nose of the plane, fold the wings down 1/2” in the front and slightly angled to 1 1/2” in the back. Fold up the edges of the wings 1/2”.

The Bullnose

This plane is deceptively fast and stays aloft for quite a distance.

• Fold the top right corner over to the left side, making a fold from the top of the paper to the bottom right corner.
• Unfold the paper and repeat for the left corner.
• Unfold the paper again and fold the top right corner over to meet the crease made from the first fold.
• Fold the left corner over to meet the crease from the second fold.
• Fold the top right edge over to meet the edge of the fold from step 3. Repeat for the other side.
• Fold the top edge down and towards you to meet the point where the right and left layers cross.
• Fold the plane in half away from you. Staring at the nose, fold the wings down at a slight angle, 1/2” in the front to about 2” in the back.

Want More Crafty Ideas?

Sign up for the HGTV Handmade newsletter to get our best crafts and DIYs delivered to your inbox weekly.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

• HGTV Insider
• HGTV Daily Sweepstakes Reminder
• HGTV Inspiration
• Sweepstakes Updates

20 Fun and Easy Kids' Crafts 60 Photos

Keep little hands busy with 20 fun, easy kids' crafts they'll love.

• How to Make Calming DIY Glitter Jars

• How to Make Paper Snowflakes

Easy-to-Make Valentine's Day Paper Chain Countdown Calendar

How to Make a Classic Tulle Tutu

How to Make a Kid's Sun-Print Treat Bag for Halloween

How to Make a Macrame Plant Hanger

How to Make a Scrunchie

Cute + Crafty: Back-to-School DIY Crayon Hair Bows

5 Cute + Easy Mother's Day Cards to Make

How to Make a No-Sew Sock Bunny

Hgtv handmade newsletter.

Subscribe now to get our latest craft projects and DIYs delivered to your inbox.

What's New in Handmade

How Ceramic Artist Gabo Martinez Preserves and Celebrates Mexican Culture Through Her Vibrant Pottery Mar 22, 2024

How to Make a Hypertufa Pot Feb 14, 2024

See How an Artist Creates 'Hair Gardens' That Fuse Mexican Culture, High-Fashion Millinery and Old Hollywood Feb 9, 2024

Block Print Like a Pro: How to Carve Rubber Stamps for Fabric Printing Oct 17, 2023

Here’s How the Barbie Movie Team Created All Those Fantastic Spaces Feb 29, 2024

Gullah Gift Guide: 12 Gullah Artists, Makers and Brands You Should Follow Jun 13, 2023

Meet the Austin-Based Clothier Who Upcycles Vintage Quilts and Fabrics Into Custom Clothing Apr 20, 2023

This North Carolina Artist and Interior Decorator Has Her Own Fabric Line and Home Decor Collection Mar 28, 2023

How to Start Using Your Cutting Machine Dec 19, 2022

The Best Crafting, DIY and Hobby Books to Buy or Gift Dec 19, 2022

How to Make Wire Shelf Covers That Look Just Like Floating Shelves Mar 1, 2023

Turn a Plywood Board Into Easy DIY Outdoor Art Jun 7, 2022

How to Upcycle a Cutting Board Into an Address Plaque Jun 17, 2022

How to Decoupage a Chinoiserie-Style Planter Pot Jun 17, 2022

DIY Rainbow Doormat Feb 14, 2024

Make Homemade Play Dough May 12, 2022

How to Make Stress-Relieving Glitter Slime May 9, 2022

Make a Mini Blooming Garden Table to Showcase Your Favorite Succulents Mar 22, 2022

How to Build a Floating Shelf With Hidden Charging Station Apr 7, 2022

Upcycle an End Table Into a Cute and Cozy Dog Bed Apr 7, 2022

How to Build a Cozy Cat Hideaway Apr 7, 2022

Upgrade a Bookshelf With Cane Webbing Apr 7, 2022

Make Clay Pinch Pot Hanging Planters to Display Your Fave Succulents May 9, 2022

Turn an Old Tomato Cage Into a Storage Basket May 9, 2022

How to Build an End Table With a Built-in Pet Bed Feb 17, 2022

Easy-to-Make DIY Beach Scene Painting May 9, 2022

Turn an Old Laundry Detergent Pod Container Into a Moon Planter for Succulents May 9, 2022

How to Make a Cactus Pincushion May 9, 2022

How to Make DIY Reusable Produce Bags Mar 21, 2024

How to Make Calming DIY Glitter Jars May 9, 2022

Lakefront empire, beachfront bargain hunt, follow us everywhere.

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Related Pages

• How to Make Paper Flowers for a Wedding Bouquet
• How to Make Origami Paper Flowers
• How to Make Christmas Paper Star Decorations
• How to Make Paper Pinwheels
• How to Make a Paper Airplane Garland
• Flying Bats
• How to Make Little Explorer Binoculars

How to Make Paper Airplanes That Go Far

• Elementary , Invention , Outdoors , Problem Solving

19 Comments

Have you ever made a paper airplane.

Did you learn how to make it from a book? Or maybe it was from the kid you shared a desk with in the third grade?

We tested a few designs, and one of them really stood out as a winner  (I’ll share it below). You’ll have to test some, too, and see which one flies the furthest.

How to Make Paper Airplanes that go Far

Well guess what? Today I’m sharing links to instructions for making paper airplanes that go far and actually work, along with some ideas on how to help kids invent their own paper airplane designs.

So let’s get started with  How to Make Paper Airplanes while building Design Skills…

Paper Airplane Supplies

• A few sets of instructions for making paper airplanes. You can get these from a book or download instructions from the internet (see recommended links below)
• Copy paper. Thinner paper is easier for children to fold.
• Markers (optional)
• Scissors (optional)
• A clear table

The Best Paper Airplane Designs

• Our favorite was The Eagle
• We also tried High Glider
• Try a few and have a  fly-off  to compare them.

Step One: Select a Design

We looked through all of our designs, picked one to start with, and my daughter and I sat down and followed the directions for the first airplane. If you’ve ever made origami, it’s the same approach. Most of the steps were easy enough for her four-year old hands and mind, but I had to help her with a few of the trickier folds.

If you find instructions that are too complicated for you,  then skip them and find another plane to make.

Step Two: Teach someone else how to make a plane

Once we got the hang of it, N thought our six-year old neighbor would enjoy this project and we invited him over to join us. Either that or misery loves company.

We each started with another sheet of paper and while we folded, the kids educated each other on hamburger and hot dog folds.  If you don’t have a neighbor to teach, teach a parent, babysitter, or grandparent. This step does wonders for building confidence.

Step Three: Iterate and Invent New Planes

Once that first airplane was complete, it was interesting to see where the kids took the project next. My daughter, a designer to the core, got busy decorating her plane with markers. Her friend, a tinkerer at heart who has a soft spot for Legos, began iterating on the design to  improve it!

As we folded, he asked me questions like, “On your Eagle, how did you make the wing tips?” And then he proceeded to invent his own series of planes with pointed noses, flat noses, and wing tips.

When my daughter jumped in to help him, I commented that they were iterating . I actually said, “Hey you guys are iterating! Do you know that word? It means that you’re building a lot of planes to test new ideas and in order to figure out how to make it better. Can you say ‘iterate?'” And then of course, they obliged me.

I swear, the teacher thing will probably never leave my soul! Do you ever find yourself in that mode?

Step Four: Take it outdoors

They tested their planes in the house and once they amassed a small fleet of planes, I heard, “Let’s have an airplane show!!” So we took it outdoors to see what the planes could do.

Our friend guessed that the pointy-nosed planes would get more distance and said he was “amazed that the flat-nosed Eagle flew the best.”

All in all, we spent a good hour on this project, and in the end not only did these kids have fun bonding and playing together, but they came away with some new design skills, tools for developing an innovator’s mindset, and good ol’ fine motor skill practice. 

A question for you…

Did you ever make paper airplanes as a child? Where did you learn how to make them? And how did they fly?

Online Art Classes for Kids

Engaging kids art classes - from the comfort of home you set up the space, we'll provide the instruction..

unfortunately I remember using them in middle of class with a substitute but paper airplanes always remind me of Curious George…remember?

Faigie, Yikes, your story reminds me of spit balls and passed notes. Why are kids so terrible to poor substitute teachers? I was never a big Curious George follower — I’ll have to look for it! R

Classic! I’m so glad my husband likes doing this with our kids, because for some reason it makes me crazy to try to make these… every kid should know how to make these.

Ha! That’s funny, Jeanette. It never really occurred to me that people would detest making paper airplanes. It’s just a few paper folds, for goodness sake 🙂 But they can be frustrating, so I get it. Hooray for plane-making spouses.

Some of the best paper airplanes we ever made were paper straws with two paper strips made into circles, one at each end. I got the idea here:

http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/how-to-make-straw-and-paper-airplanes/pictures/index.html

These babies fly better than anything I have ever folded and my son loves them!

My kids love to make paper airplanes, so I can perform other tasks.

My kids have developed an interesting in making their own paper airplanes. Love all the parts of the brain that get used in the process. Pinned and stumbled!

Thanks, Vicky. Aren’t paper airplanes fantastic? All you need is a sheet of paper (or a small stack) and off you go!

You may find that an existing system serves a particular process, but it may be frozen in time so it has limited usage. With Eclipse, professionals can offer an advanced custom product with greater comfort and without the occlusion effect—providing a clear differentiation from the myriad of standard offerings in the market. When it recognized a pattern, a meaning was assigned.

no u uno reverse card

I think the admin of this web page is actually working hard in favor of his web site, since here every material is quality based data.

[…] need to get fancy. Just have fun. Look up a few good  paper airplane tutorials, (I like this basic one,this stunt plane,  and this fancy one) cut those paper bags into big paper rectangles, and get to […]

Nice article 👍👌 thank you for sharing

[…] How to Make Paper Airplanes That Go Far by Tinker Lab […]

[…] makes some brilliant paper aeroplanes. Try having a competition to see who can get their plane to fly the furthest. This is great for a […]

[…] everyone a few sheets of paper and have them engineer several planes. Once finished, have a flying […]

[…] Paper Airplanes that Go Far from Tinkerlab […]

[…] Make a paper plane and host an air show! Whose plane will fly the furthest? Highest? Straightest? Via […]

[…] Make a paper airplane and host an air present! Whose airplane will fly the furthest? Highest? Straightest? Through […]

Comments are closed.

TinkerLab is a creative studio dedicated to sparking curiosity and a love for art through hands-on making. Our mission is to inspire creativity and experimentation in parents, educators, and artists of all ages, transforming everyday moments into creative adventures.

USEFUL LINKS

Testimonials

Privacy Policy

Terms & Conditions

GET IN TOUCH

855 El Camino Real

Suite 13A-144

Palo Alto, CA 94301

10 WAYS TO INTRODUCE ART TO PRESCHOOLERS

An inspiring 10-point poster for your fridge, planning binder, or to share with colleagues or friends.

TinkerLab acknowledges the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, and pays respect to elders both past and present. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Ohlone people, and we have a responsibility to acknowledge, honor and make visible the our relationship to Native peoples. Donate to the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone. 

Origami Way

How to make paper airplanes.

Learn how to make paper airplanes with these easy instructions. Select the plane you want and get ready for takeoff. Be careful with the ones that are pointy, they can hurt! Most planes are best indoors, but some will surpise you outdoors.

In addition, paper planes resemble flight itself! As early as 500 BC, they found the first folding paper airplane that came from China. The popularity of these paper airplane flying toys is the same as the paper-folding craft of origami, which grew in Japan around the same time in China.

Paper airplanes are very helpful when you want to illustrate air traffic control guidelines. There was a time when people used the paper airplane to explain and discuss the fundamental parts of real aircraft. People of a certain age may recall buying those fancy "White Wings" in the store made from several sheets of squeezed chipboard paper, and these cutout versions are still paper airplanes too.

How to Make a Paper Airplane?

If you want to know how to fold a paper airplane with the best design, you can check out this page for easy step-by-step paper airplane instructions, and you will be amazed at the outcome of the paper airplane you made.

Gather the materials needed, like a piece of origami paper or any other type of paper, and be excited about the results. When we want to achieve something like this paper airplane, we rely on the instructions given, and with these proper instructions, you can let your paper folding plane fly with the best design. Get your craft paper, and start the folding process to make the paper plane, soar it high.

• © Origamiway.com

World's Best Paper Airplane - Simple and Sturdy

Introduction: World's Best Paper Airplane - Simple and Sturdy

I love airplanes.  As you are reading this, you probably have at least a little interest in planes as well.  And as any kid will tell you, arguably the best kinds of airplanes are of the "paper" variety.  They are simple in construction, cheap in materials, and most importantly, a helluva lot of fun.  At least, all the ones I ever enjoyed making and flying as a kid were.   Millions of paper airplane designs exist; every kid seems to know a different one.  But by far the best paper airplane I have ever flown was taught to me by my dad, who learned it from his dad when he was a kid in the 60's.  In fact, my grandpa invented this design (he was a draftsman, an airplane mechanic in WWII and the Korean War, and holds several patents).  So I made this sound like my family's secret paper airplane legacy, but we've taught it to tons of people over the decades so it can hardly be called a secret.  Now I'm going to teach it to you. One more thing:  This instructable is an entry in Paper Airplane Contest 3 ( https://www.instructables.com/community/Paper-Airplane-Contest-3-Open/ ).           <--- check it out !

Step 1: Materials Needed....

A. Single. Sheet. Of. Paper.  8.5' x 11'. That's it.  This isn't one of those fancy cut-cut-tape-tape-fold-fold paper airplanes; this is pure old-fashioned paper folding.  If you are fanatical about your creases, you could also use the edge of a ruler to run along them, but your fingers should do well enough for most people.

Step 2: Construction - Step 1

Placing your paper vertically (portrait view), first fold your paper in half vertically.

Step 3: Construction - Step 2

Unfold the paper.  This leaves a reference crease down the center, which I have marked in red.

Step 4: Construction - Step 3

Fold the upper right corner down 45 degrees, until it exactly touches the reference crease.  [Pic. 1] Repeat with the upper left corner.  [Pic. 2] Everything should be lined up as close to perfectly as possible.  Exactness counts.

Step 5: Construction - Step 4

Fold the point made by the last two folds straight down, forming a tight triangle.

Step 6: Construction - Step 5

Take the upper right corner of triangle, and fold it down to touch the center line, but touching it a half inch above the lower point of the triangle [Pic. 1 for clarification] .  This will leave a half inch along the top as well, which we want [Pic. 1] . Repeat the last fold in reverse with the upper left corner.  A downward pointing triangle should be visible below the points of the last two folds [Pic. 2] . Take this triangle, and fold it straight upward, over the touching points of the last two folds [Pic. 3]

Step 7: Construction - Step 6

Fold the plane in half along the reference crease, such that the small triangle is facing outward.  The small triangle is now holding the plane together.  [Pic. 1] Fold the first wing down [Pic. 2] .  It should be slightly at an angle from the keel of the plane body (the part formed by the reference crease), tapering toward the front of the plane.  A good rule of thumb is that the keel should be a quarter inch tall at the snub nose, and 3/4's of an inch at the tail.  I know this sounds confusing, just look at the fold marked in red in Pic. 3 and hopefully what I mean will be clear  [Pic. 3] . Make an identical fold on the other side to make the other wing [Pic. 4] .

Step 8: Construction - Finished

The snub nosed little plane is now finished.  It should look like this [Pics. 1 & 2] . Now you can experiment with flying this resilient little guy, or you can continue reading this instructable to garner a few hints about achieving stable flight, a loop-de-loop, and a wingover maneuver (all requirements for the Paper Plane contest 3 ) .

Step 9: Flying - Stable Flight

This little plane, if made correctly, is naturally incredibly stable.  To make it so, make sure the wings are angled up as to make a very slight " Y " when viewed from behind, maybe 10 degrees above the horizontal.  You don't want a " T " shape, or even worse a  " /|\ " shape.  [Pic. 1] To throw it, use a standard paper airplane grip (I don't know how to explain it any simpler than that :-) [Pic. 2] and give it a gentle, level, throw.

Step 10: Flying - Loop-de-loop and Wingover

Because this is such a stable (and nose-heavy) plane, making it perform tricks takes a bit of doin'.  First I fold a set of flaps in series on both wings that are set at two angles (one shallow, one steeper) to get that nose up [Pic. 1] .  Getting the angles of the flaps just right can take a few trys, so to aid you I've taken a picture to help show the angles that worked for me [Pic. 2] . With the flaps shown in profile it appears that the first (wider) flap is angled at 5-10 degrees, and the second (narrower) flap is angled 10-20 degrees from that, for a total of 15-30 degrees across both folds. Secondly I put a medium-small paperclip about 2/3rds back on the plane body, to help balance out the heavy nose and allow for faster and better maneuvering [Pic. 2].  Loop-de-loop: For the loop, make the above mentioned folds, then grab the plane how you would normally and make a level throw as you would for straight flight, but with just slightly more force (gotta force that nose up).  With proper force, planes made on heavy paper will achieve small loops and planes on lighter paper will achieve medium loops. Wingover:   I was surprised to find this out (I'd never tried a wingover before this contest) but to achieve a wingover with this plane you don't need to make any physical changes to the design or flaps from what you did to achieve the loop.  Keep everything exactly as you did for the loop.  To do a wingover, you just have to throw it differently.  Instead of holding the plane upright (so the wings make a " Y " when viewed from behind), cock it slightly to the left such that the left wing is parallel with the floor (horizontal).  Now throw the cocked plane straight ahead, level with the floor, and instead of performing a loop it will pull up and to the left until it stalls, turns around, dives, and then pulls out facing 180 degrees the other direction - the perfect wingover. Hopefully this simple plane provides a bit of fun for some kid somewhere, just as it has for me over the years.  And who knows, maybe it will win a contest for me too  :-) Happy Flying!

Recommendations

Engineering in the Kitchen - Autodesk Design & Make - Student Contest

Big and Small Contest

For the Home Contest

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Paper Craft
• Paper Planes

How to Make a Fast Paper Airplane

Last Updated: March 23, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Natalie Kay Smith . Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 867,541 times.

The image most people have of paper airplanes involves a badly folded sheet of notebook paper floating lazily around a school classroom. The basic design has come a long way over the years, however, and it’s now a breeze to make a paper airplane that can zip along at high speed and cover about the same distance as a good frisbee toss. All it takes is a couple of minutes and a steady hand. Find yourself a piece of sturdy paper, make tight, precise folds and watch your creation sail.

Folding the Paper Airplane

• It’s easiest to make the folds of your airplane from the top of the paper down.
• For the purpose of following these instructions, a basic sheet of 8.5”x11” (most comparable to A4 paper outside the US) letter paper will work best.
• You can use shipping paper.
• Or reuse old paper boxes for this purpose.
• The center crease is made to serve as a reference point for later folds.
• You can also fold the paper in half width-wise, if you choose. This will help guide the first couple of vertical folds you make.
• Leave 2-3 inches (5-7.5cm) of space between the point of the triangle and bottom of the paper.
• Folding the paper over on itself adds weight to the plane as it reduces its size, giving it the heft to allow it to fly farther.
• This last folded point at the top of the paper will serve as the nose of the plane.
• The technique of using a triangular flap to secure a fold is known as the "Nakamura lock," named after the origami practitioner who invented it.
• Folding the paper back on itself wraps the lower triangular piece around the outside of the bottom of the plane, holding it in place and making it easier to grip and throw.
• Be careful not to bend the wings while folding them.
• Go somewhere with plenty of space and give your new airplane a toss. Airplanes made with this design fly far and straight and can reach some pretty impressive speeds. [10] X Research source

Making Adjustments

• Blunt-nosed planes give up a little speed but fly much further due to their streamlined construction. [11] X Research source
• It’s normal for the plane to curve a little, so only adjust the wing height if the plane is spiraling out of control when thrown.
• Paper airplanes operate on the same physical principles that allow real planes to fly. A slight curve of the wings is necessary to turn air resistance into lift. [13] X Research source
• Try a blunt-nosed design if your plane has a problem with taking a nosedive. Pointed noses can easily become damaged when they hit the ground.
• Attempting to throw too hard can also cause the nose to rise, stalling the plane. Launch the plane with a smooth, straight motion of the arm and wrist to send it on its way steadily.

Choosing the Right Paper

• The types of paper commonly used in offices—crisp, smooth and perfectly weighted—often make for excellent paper planes.
• It’s okay to use thinner paper for smaller planes, since the compact size will compensate for the weight difference. Likewise, heavier paper can be used to make oversized planes.

• If you’re working with scrap paper, cut or tear it until it’s roughly the proportions of letter paper, then reproduce the folds on a slightly larger or smaller scale.
• Raw, foil, laminate and glossy papers do not take a fold well.
• Apply pressure to each crease you make and go over it a couple of times. The neater the fold, the better it will maintain its shape.

Community Q&A

• Always pick your paper airplane up by the nose to keep from damaging the wings. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Test the paper airplane in a wide-open area with lots of space so that it doesn't collide with any obstacles. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• For the best flight, throw the airplane forward and up at a slight angle. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• If your plane isn't quite right that first go, keep at it! Tweak things bit by bit and test fly again until you get it how you want. Don't let setbacks discourage you.
• When trying out different airplane designs, use sheets of paper that match in size and thickness for an even comparison. Paper variables impact how designs fly.
• Use a ruler if you struggle to fold straight lines freehand. Precision is key for your plane to fly right. Just don't tear the paper in the process.
• Avoid weighing down your plane with bold markers or decorations. That added heft throws off proper flight. Keep the design simple and light.
• If you mess up on a fold, use that sheet for something else and start over with a fresh sheet of paper for your plane.

• Keep your airplane from crashing into things. Once it's bent or damaged, it may not fly right again. Thanks Helpful 101 Not Helpful 27
• If your paper airplane gets wet, it's ruined. Thanks Helpful 98 Not Helpful 32
• Don't throw paper airplanes at people, especially if they have pointed noses. Thanks Helpful 92 Not Helpful 33

Things You'll Need

• A smooth, sturdy sheet of paper (preferably 8.5"x11" letter paper or A4 paper)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://rolemodels.wise.iastate.edu/uploads/1/3/f/13f4bb00c100eee7ae0d2506728eec3e83cc618b/Paper-Airplane-Designs.pdf
• ↑ https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-straw-rocket/
• ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/paper/airplanes.html
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veyZNyurlwU
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AljTDb2cyhc
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7ec7qCHwzc
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cy3lRJGiR4
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-5OxzPKr0w
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuyx-49vvWE
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI-sG-9PMlk
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B9ciJvLWcs

About This Article

To make a fast paper airplane, fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise and unfold it. Next, fold both corners down until they’re even with the center crease and press the creases to hold them in place. Then, fold down the top triangle, bring the corners in so they meet in the middle, and fold the triangular flap at the bottom up and over the angled folds to secure them. Fold the paper outward to form the body of the plane, then make one last fold to form the wings! For tips on making crisp folds and creases, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Tami Sakariyas

Jan 19, 2017

Did this article help you?

May 24, 2017

Nicole Estrada

Oct 14, 2019

Anonymous Anonymous

Jan 10, 2021

Apr 5, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Paper Airplanes HQ

Long distance paper airplanes, albatross paper airplane, kingfisher paper airplane, seagull paper airplane, pelican paper airplane, typhoon paper airplane, * also, check out these paper airplanes designed for very long flight times ..

• Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

• April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
• April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’
• April 5, 2024   •   29:11 An Engineering Experiment to Cool the Earth
• April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia

The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’

Researchers are documenting a phenomenon that seems to help the dying, as well as those they leave behind..

By Phoebe Zerwick

Read by Samantha Desz

Produced by Jack D’Isidoro and Aaron Esposito

Narration produced by Anna Diamond and Emma Kehlbeck

Original music by Aaron Esposito

Engineered by Sophia Lanman and Sharon Kearney

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the bedside of his dying father. Throughout Kerr’s childhood in Toronto, his father, a surgeon, was too busy to spend much time with his son, except for an annual fishing trip they took, just the two of them, to the Canadian wilderness. Gaunt and weakened by cancer at 42, his father reached for the buttons on Kerr’s shirt, fiddled with them and said something about getting ready to catch the plane to their cabin in the woods. “I knew intuitively, I knew wherever he was, must be a good place because we were going fishing,” Kerr told me.

Kerr now calls what he witnessed an end-of-life vision. His father wasn’t delusional, he believes. His mind was taking him to a time and place where he and his son could be together, in the wilds of northern Canada.

Kerr followed his father into medicine, and in the last 10 years he has hired a permanent research team that expanded studies on deathbed visions to include interviews with patients receiving hospice care at home and with their families, deepening researchers’ understanding of the variety and profundity of these visions.

There are a lot of ways to listen to ‘The Daily.’ Here’s how.

We want to hear from you. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at [email protected] . Follow Michael Barbaro on X: @mikiebarb . And if you’re interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at [email protected] .

Additional production for The Sunday Read was contributed by Isabella Anderson, Anna Diamond, Sarah Diamond, Elena Hecht, Emma Kehlbeck, Tanya Pérez and Krish Seenivasan.

Advertisement