To see an ordinary piece of paper become a gravity-defying magical entity is a wonderful and astonishing thing when done correctly. Knowing how to make a simple paper airplane does not guarantee that it will fly. Here are some pointers to improve its functionality.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a design that has more weight on the tip
The best paper airplanes have a large part of their own weight in the front. Add staples, staples, or heavy duct tape near the tip to adjust weight and balance. If you don't have any on hand, you can bend the tip. This technique also helps in the event of a crash. This suggestion comes directly from the study of aircraft stability and control theory.
Step 2. Fold the paper airplane
For starters, use the classic dart or grab a book from the library if you're unfamiliar with this technique.
Step 3. Launch it at the speed you want
This depends on the type of aircraft, but start with a slow, slightly inclined launch. Don't overdo your throwing force.
Step 4. Cut the airplane to correct any defects
This is the time when origami turns into a plane, and where many people make mistakes. Make all these changes a little at a time. Small planes need small tweaks to make big improvements!
Step 5. If the plane tends to go right:
fold the left side of the tail up and the right side down.
Step 6. If the plane goes to the left:
fold the right side up and the left side down.
Step 7. If the plane goes down:
fold both sides down.
Step 8. If the plane "stalls" (goes up quickly and then stops and falls):
fold both sides flush. If it still stalls, review the design or add weight to the tip, as in step 1.
Step 9. Launch again
Watch carefully for subtle changes in flight behavior and repeat the adjustments in step 4 if necessary. When you launch it and go at natural glide speed and elegantly float forward smoothly, you have the magic in your hands.
Advice
- Fold half of the tail up, then fold the other side down to make it twirl.
- Try experimenting with the tail. A tail is just a longer piece of paper (about as long as the plane) with one end cut in half and the edges folded. Put it in the back of the plane, the longer the tail the better it flies, but only with a heavy nose.
- Try to prevent the tip of the plane from curling up due to a collision by inserting spaghetti from tip to tail. These can reinforce the aircraft and serve as ballast. If you don't have spaghetti on hand, make a blunt nose by folding the tip towards the back of the plane before creating the wings.
- Consider using recycled paper.
- If the wings are wider, the plane will fly higher.
