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)
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise (hot dog style) and then unfold to create a center crease as a guide
- Fold the top corners down so their points meet the center crease , forming a triangle at the top
- 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
- 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
- Fold the corners in again to meet the edges of the top flap and creases , creating a pointed nose
- Fold the plane in half inward along the center crease , with all the folded flaps on the outside
- Create the wings by folding down the top edges on each side , making sure the wings are symmetrical and the creases are sharp
- Adjust wing tips slightly upwards to improve flight stability
- 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!