How to Make a Paper Airplane
No one knows who figured out how to make a folded piece of paper fly, but airplanes just like this one have been plaguing schoolteachers ever since!
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Transform boring sheets of paper into simple and fun craft projects.
You Will Need
- A sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper
- A ruler (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Place paper
Place the paper on a flat surface in front of you, as if you were about to write a letter.
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Step 2
Crease paper
Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Make a crease, then unfold the paper and smooth it flat again.
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Use the edge of a ruler instead of your finger to make your creases really sharp.
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Step 3
Fold corners
Fold the top two corners down and toward the crease to form two triangles, creating a point at the top of the paper. Press the folds flat.
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Step 4
Fold edges in
Now fold the two slanted edges at the top of the paper in so that they also run along the middle crease.
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Step 5
Fold along crease
Fold the entire right side of the paper over the left side (along the middle crease), so that all of your new folds are on the inside.
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Step 6
Form wing
Fold down the top folded edge on one side so that it runs along your original middle crease. This will create one of your wings.
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Step 7
Form other wing
Flip the paper over and repeat, folding the slanted edge over to meet the middle crease, forming your other wing.
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A little weight at the front of your plane can help it fly farther—try attaching a paper clip to the nose.
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Step 8
Unfold wings upward
Unfold the wings slightly upward, and you’re ready to for takeoff.
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The longest distance flown by a paper airplane indoors is 193 feet—which is farther than the first flight made by the Wright brothers!
