how to make the best paper airplane

1 day ago 9
Nature

To make the best paper airplane, follow these expert steps based on proven designs known for their flight performance:

Materials Needed

  • A standard 8.5 x 11 inch (or A4) piece of printer paper
  • Optional: Scotch tape or paper clips for adjustments

Step-by-Step Folding Instructions (Based on the World's Best Paper

Airplane)

  1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise (hot dog style) and then unfold to create a center crease as a guide
  1. Fold the top corners down so their points meet the center crease , forming a triangle at the top
  1. Fold the top point down to meet the bottom edge of the triangle , then fold the top corners in again so their edges align with the center crease
  1. Unfold these last folds to use the creases as guides , then fold the top edge back up along the crease where it meets the previous folds
  1. Fold the corners in again to meet the edges of the top flap and creases , creating a pointed nose
  1. Fold the plane in half inward along the center crease , with all the folded flaps on the outside
  1. Create the wings by folding down the top edges on each side , making sure the wings are symmetrical and the creases are sharp
  1. Adjust wing tips slightly upwards to improve flight stability
  1. Optional: Use a small piece of tape or a paper clip on the nose to improve accuracy and balance

Tips for Best Flight

  • Make sure all folds are crisp and symmetrical for balance.
  • Adjust wing size: larger wings for longer glides, smaller wings for accuracy
  • Slightly bend the rear edges of the wings upwards to help the plane stay level during flight
  • Practice throwing with a smooth, moderate force to maximize distance.

This method produces a highly aerodynamic paper airplane that has been demonstrated to fly over 100 feet and even break world records

. For visual learners, video tutorials from creators like Foldable Flight and John Collins provide quick and easy folding demonstrations that can be completed in under a minute

. By following these steps and tips, you can make one of the best-performing paper airplanes. Enjoy experimenting with minor tweaks to customize flight characteristics!