essay on how to make a paper airplane

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.

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How to Make a Simple Paper Airplane

Last Updated: November 8, 2023 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. 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 741,291 times.

Making paper airplanes is a fun activity, but you need to fold them just right to make them fly. With a little practice, you can master your technique so that your planes stay airborne. It’s easy to make a paper airplane from any letter size sheet of paper. After you master the basic model, try making a bulldog dart or a kite plane.

Folding a Simple Plane

• You can even use shipping paper.
• Or use recycled toilet paper.
• Use your thumb or a flat-edged tool, like a butter knife or a wooden tongue depressor, to create a sharp crease. This will help your plane fly once it’s finished.
• The bottom edge of the flap should be a straight line.
• The paper should look like a dart. Most of the paper now will be in the shape of a triangle, with a point at the top.
• You should have a finished dart plane. Test it out to see if it flies!

Variation: To make a slightly more advanced version of this basic paper airplane, just add wing tips. On the back edge of one of the wings, make a small fold. The fold will be in the shape of a small triangle. Bend it upwards so you have a wing tip that points towards the sky. Repeat on the other wing, making sure the creases of the tips match.

Crafting a Simple Bulldog Dart

• When making creases, make sure they are sharp and crisp. Use your thumb or a straight-edged tool, like a wooden depressor or a butterknife.
• The flaps should make two triangles, and the tip should be in a point.
• At this stage, you will have three layers of triangular folds. The bottom corners of the top triangular layer should meet at the center crease. The edges of the paper should be mostly in the shape of a triangle, with the bottom edge still flat.
• At this point, your plane should have a flat tip where the point used to be.
• This plane flies better at a slower speed. The nose will cause it to fall if you throw it too fast.

Making a Simple Kite Plane

• When you’re finished, the paper will be half its original size.
• Make sure the folds are lined up exactly on top of one another and tightly folded.
• The creases should be sharp and crisp. To achieve a sharp crease, use your thumb or a blunt-edged tool, like a wooden depressor or a butterknife.
• You should now be able to see the folds.
• The folds should be on the bottom of the plane.
• The kite plane is capable of great distance and accuracy.

Community Q&A

• Use a crisp, new piece of paper. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 4
• Point the nose of the plane slightly up when you throw it. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 4
• Throw it gently. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-make-the-worlds-best-paper-airplanes/
• ↑ https://ext.vt.edu/content/dam/ext_vt_edu/topics/4h-youth/makers/files/ww1-how-to-fold1.pdf
• ↑ https://rolemodels.wise.iastate.edu/uploads/1/3/f/13f4bb00c100eee7ae0d2506728eec3e83cc618b/Paper-Airplane-Designs.pdf
• ↑ https://girlstart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1.-Paper-Kites.pdf

About This Article

To make a simple dart-shaped paper airplane, first fold a letter sized sheet of paper in half vertically. Unfold the paper and fold the top corners inward so that the edges meet at the crease in the middle. Grab the outer corners of the new folds and fold those in so that their edges also meet in the middle. Next, fold the entire piece of paper in half again along the original vertical crease. Turn the paper so that the bottom of the crease faces you. Fold down the top edge of the paper so that it's parallel with the crease, which is now the bottom edge of the plane. Flip the plane over and do the same thing on the other side. Open the flaps out to make wings. Enjoy your paper plane! If you want to learn how to fold a bulldog dart or kite style paper airplane, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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.

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How to Make Paper Airplanes: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Table of Contents

Are you looking for a fun and educational activity that can be done at home? Look no further than creating paper airplanes. These simple planes can be made with just a few materials and can provide hours of entertainment for both kids and adults alike. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to make paper airplanes, including tips for adjusting designs for better flight and techniques for launching and controlling them.

Materials Needed

Before we get started, let’s review the materials needed to make paper airplanes. First and foremost, you will need paper. The type of paper you use can affect the flight of your airplane. The best paper to use is lightweight and thin, such as printer paper or origami paper. You can also use colored or patterned paper to add some flair to your creations.

In addition to paper, you will need a few tools. These include scissors, a ruler or straight edge, and a pencil. Optional tools include a bone folder or creasing tool, which can help create crisp folds in the paper.

One of the simplest paper airplane designs is the dart plane. This design is perfect for beginners and can be made with just a few folds. Here’s how to make it:

Start with a rectangular piece of paper. Fold the top left corner down to the bottom edge of the paper, creating a triangle.

Repeat step 1 with the top right corner, folding it down to meet the bottom edge of the paper.

Fold the paper in half along the center crease, bringing the top of the paper down to meet the bottom.

Fold the wings down along the bottom edge of the paper, making sure they are even.

Fold the top of the paper down to create the nose of the plane.

Finally, fold the wings down again along the center crease to create the wingspan of the plane.

Congratulations, you’ve created a paper airplane! Now, let’s move on to more advanced designs.

Basic Paper Airplane Design: Tips for Adjusting the Design for Better Flight

While the dart plane design is straightforward, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your airplane flies smoothly. One important factor is the weight distribution of the paper airplane. You want to make sure the weight is evenly distributed so that the plane doesn’t dip or veer off course.

To achieve this, try adding a small paperclip to the nose of the plane. This will add some weight to the front of the airplane, helping it fly straighter. You can also adjust the wings by bending them slightly. Bending the wings upwards will create more lift, while bending them downwards will create more stability.

Another way to adjust the design is to experiment with the size and shape of the wings. A wider wingspan will create more lift, while a narrower wingspan will create more speed. You can also try different wing shapes, such as triangular or curved, to see how they affect the flight of the airplane.

Advanced Paper Airplane Designs: Instructions for Creating More Complex Paper Airplanes

Once you’ve mastered the basic design, it’s time to move on to more advanced paper airplane designs. Here are instructions for creating two popular designs:

The Hammerhead

Fold the top corners of the paper down to meet the center crease, creating two small triangles at the top of the paper.

Fold the wings down again along the center crease to create the wingspan of the plane.

Fold the bottom corners of the paper up towards the top of the plane, creating a small triangle at the bottom of the plane.

Finally, fold the tail of the plane up to create the hammerhead shape.

The Nakamura Lock

Fold the tail of the plane up to create a small triangle at the bottom of the plane.

Finally, fold the wings up towards the top of the plane and insert them into the flaps at the top of the plane, creating the Nakamura Lock.

Experiment with different designs and adjustments to create your own unique paper airplanes. With a little practice and creativity, you’ll be able to create planes that soar through the air with ease.

Tips for Flying Paper Airplanes

Now that you’ve created your paper airplane, it’s time to fly it! Here are some tips for launching and controlling your paper airplane:

The way you launch your paper airplane can affect its flight. Here are some techniques to try:

• Hold the plane at the midpoint of the wings with the nose pointed upwards.
• Give the plane a gentle toss in the air, aiming for a slight upward angle.
• Experiment with different launch angles and speeds to see how they affect the flight.

Controlling

Once your airplane is in the air, you can control its flight with these techniques:

• Adjust the angle of the wings to change the direction of flight.
• Bend the back of the wings up or down to adjust the plane’s altitude.
• Use small adjustments instead of big movements to avoid overcorrecting.

Factors that Affect Flight

There are several factors that can affect the flight of your paper airplane. These include:

• The weight and thickness of the paper.
• The design of the airplane.
• The launch angle and speed.
• Air currents and wind.

Experiment with different designs and techniques to see how these factors affect your paper airplane’s flight.

In conclusion, creating paper airplanes is a fun and educational activity that can provide hours of entertainment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paper airplane maker, there are endless possibilities for unique designs and flight patterns. Remember to use lightweight paper, adjust designs for better flight, and experiment with different launch and control techniques. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create paper airplanes that soar through the air with ease. So grab some paper and get ready to take flight!

Paper Airplanes HQ

How to make paper airplanes, detailed fold and fly instructions for 50 awesome designs.

Over 50 flying paper airplane designs with written and video step-by-step folding instructions. All classes of paper airplanes are represented from darts to gliders to jets to schoolyard contest winners. There are models that look really cool, or fly super far or stay aloft for extend periods of time.

How to Make a Paper Airplane

Making a paper airplane is easier than you think. All you need is a few simple materials and the creative mindset to take flight. There are a variety of paper airplanes and a bunch of different methods to use when creating one. The airplane in which you chose to create is unique to you and the methods in which one wants to approach. Making a flying piece of paper from scratch is what makes the experience of flying more deserving and memorable.

When you wish to illustrate air traffic control regulations, paper airplanes are a great tool. There was a time when the basic components of actual aircraft were explained and discussed using paper airplanes.

Easiest way to make a paper airplane

• Vertically, fold the paper in half
• Fold the top corners of the paper into the middle line after unfolding it
• The top margins should be folded into the center
• The plane is folded in half toward you
• In order to fold the wings, line up their top edges with the bottom edge of the body

Table of Contents [ edit | edit source ]

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Why Do I Feel Gassy on Airplanes?

There are a few reasons that air travel can cause bloating. We have tips for making your next flight more comfortable.

Credit... Joyce Lee for The New York Times

Supported by

By Alice Callahan

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024

Q: I often feel uncomfortably bloated during flights. Why is that, and is there anything I can do about it?

A day of air travel can throw a wrench into the inner workings of your digestive system, causing gas, bloating and the need to release some pressure.

That tightness you feel in your waistband on a flight? “This is a real thing,” said Dr. Melissa Hershman, a gastroenterologist at Oregon Health and Science University.

Some people — such as those with irritable bowel syndrome — are bothered by airplane gas and bloating more than others, said Dr. Baha Moshiree, a gastroenterologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest in Charlotte, N.C.

But, she said, understanding the causes of these symptoms can help you strategize how to avoid them.

Why air travel makes you gassy

We always have some gas in our digestive tracts. We swallow air when eating and drinking, Dr. Hershman said, and our gut microbes also produce gas.

When an airplane climbs and cabin pressure drops, that normal amount of gas expands, taking up more space in your stomach and intestines, she said. This is similar to what happens to a bag of chips or a plastic water bottle, Dr. Moshiree added. “It becomes all puffy.”

There isn’t much research on the topic, but in a 1969 study , 18 military men “agreed to avoid passing of gas” during a simulated flight. As their simulated altitude climbed from ground level to nearly 30,000 feet, their average abdominal gas more than quadrupled.

Being at high altitude also seems to slow down the muscle contractions that keep the contents of your digestive system moving, Dr. Moshiree said. Experts don’t know why this happens, she added. But it’s one reason that you may feel constipated on airplane travel days , and a sluggish gut can also allow more gas to build up.

Sitting for hours during a long flight doesn’t help, Dr. Hershman said — walking and other physical activity normally help keep the gastrointestinal tract “moving along.”

Travel stress and anxiety can also worsen gas and bloating, said Megan Riehl, a gastrointestinal psychologist at Michigan Medicine.

How to prevent and cope with gas while traveling

You can’t change the altitude or air pressure of your plane. But if flying makes you gassy and bloated, experts have suggestions for your next trip.

Watch what you eat. Starting the day before your departure, avoid foods that you know make you gassy, said Tamara Duker Freuman, a dietitian in New York City who specializes in digestive conditions. Common culprits include high FODMAP foods like beans, onions, garlic, wheat, and certain nuts, dairy products and fruits.

On your travel day, continue to avoid these foods. Consider packing meals or snacks that sit well with you, Dr. Riehl added, so you aren’t at the mercy of what’s available in the airport.

Stay hydrated. “Hydration is key” for avoiding constipation, which can worsen gas and bloating, Dr. Moshiree said. Bring a refillable water bottle so that you can sip water throughout the day. And avoid alcohol the day before and the day of travel, since it can be dehydrating, she added.

Coffee has a bad reputation for being dehydrating, but there’s no evidence that it is — or that coffee increases bloating, Ms. Freuman said.

For some people, carbonated beverages can increase gas symptoms, Ms. Freuman said. But for others, seltzer may help them burp a bit and reduce gas buildup. “Know thyself,” she said, and choose your beverages accordingly.

Use medications and supplements as needed. You can consider taking an over-the-counter medication like Gas-X or Mylanta before your flight, Dr. Hershman said. Or try an enzyme supplement like Beano or Fodzyme before eating, which may help reduce gas produced from digestion, she added.

Avoid gum. Chewing gum may ease ear discomfort while flying, but it can also cause you to swallow more air, Dr. Hershman said. If you’re concerned about bloating, try skipping the gum or limiting your chewing, she said.

Move your body. If you can, get up from your seat every hour or so, Ms. Freuman said. Try to find some space to reach toward your toes, or twist your midsection from side to side. These movements can help the gas spread out in your gut rather than pooling in one spot, she said.

Breathe deeply. If you’re stuck in your seat, diaphragmatic breathing may help reduce stress and relax your gut, Dr. Riehl said.

First, take a four-second inhale through your nose and feel your belly rising, she explained. Then, exhale for six seconds through your mouth and feel your belly fall.

‘Let it go.’ If gas is causing pain or discomfort, holding it in will make you feel worse, Dr. Riehl added. “It’s healthy to just let it out.”

Walk to the bathroom if you can. But if that’s not an option, let the engine noise be your cover and “just let it go,” she said.

“Trust me,” she said, “you’re not the only one farting on an airplane.”

Alice Callahan is a Times reporter covering nutrition and health. She has a Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of California, Davis. More about Alice Callahan

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