| Fun & Games | Stunts & Aerobatics | Calibrating |
World Records | Aerodynamics | |
| Paper aeroplanes, are great fun to make. This website provides free, step-by-step instructions for how to make some of the best paper aeroplane designs. All the designs come with easy to follow video or photographic instructions and some come with video demonstrations of test flights. Currently nine different paper aeroplanes are uploaded on this site; however, I'll be updating with more, so remember to check back. In the meantime, why not build one of the planes listed below, or, if you want a bit a thrill, check out my advanced aerodynamics and folding blog or the paper aeroplanes - world records page |
How to make a paper aeroplane: my design rules
Different people have different rules on how to make paper aeroplanes. Some people have no rules at all.
Ultimately, there is no objective reason why any set of rules is better than any others; however, these are the rules that I grew up with, and are inherent in all of my designs. Sticking to these rules requires one to understand both aerodynamics and origami, making the design process somewhat challenging.
Ultimately, there is no objective reason why any set of rules is better than any others; however, these are the rules that I grew up with, and are inherent in all of my designs. Sticking to these rules requires one to understand both aerodynamics and origami, making the design process somewhat challenging.
1) A paper aeroplane should be made from just one piece of A4* paper. Paper aeroplane designs should not incorporate any additional material. No tape, no glue, no staples, no paper clips.
2) The paper is sacred, it should not be cut or torn. If I want to achieve a certain wing or fuselage shape, or shift the centre of gravity in a certain way, I can't cut my way there, I have to fold my way there.
3) Paper aeroplane designs should be capable of approximately straight, level flight – provided they are calibrated correctly. I've never had much interest in producing paper aeroplanes that look beautiful, but can't actually fly.
*A4 is a standard paper size in the UK and Australia (the two countries where the bulk of my visitors come from) and for most of the world. However, I realise that in America a slightly different standard size is used. The designs on this site are optimised for A4 sized paper; however, using standard US letter sized paper works almost as well in most cases.