How To Make The Best Paper Airplane

After you learn how to make the best paper airplane, you will understand that paper airplanes are far more than a way to liven up a boring class or lesson. There is a science to making a paper airplane and making it soar. This pattern makes the best paper airplane because it has a special feature borrowed from the ancient art of Origami called the Nakamura lock.

To make the best paper airplane, you will need:

• Sheet of 8.5 x 11 inch paper

1. Fold the paper lengthwise. Make a strong crease then open the paper, V shape facing you.
   
2. Fold each top corner inward (dog ear) toward the center lengthwise crease to create an arrow shape.
3. Fold the tip of the arrow down toward the center of the paper (the width of the dog ear folds). The paper will look similar to the shape of an envelope.
4. Fold the tip of the arrow shape back in the direction of the fold 1 inch from the tip. This will create the blunt nose of the airplane.   
5. Fold the new top corners down and over toward the center, lining up the edge of the corner just above the fold in the tip. Fold the tip up and over the corner folds you just made to lock (Nakamura lock) them in place.
6. Fold the airplane lengthwise in half with the tip on the outside of the plane.
7. Turn the airplane with the blunt tip pointing to the left. Lay the airplane on its side and fold the first wing down. The fold at the blunt tip will be about ¼ inch wide and the fold at the tail will be about two inches wide. Turn the airplane over and fold the second wing. You are ready to fly.

Tips:

• You may need to adjust the paper airplane for flight. If the airplane nose is dropping too fast, refold the wing to make it wider and add a small bend (flap) and the end of the wing. Refolding should be done in small increments but don’t be afraid to experiment.

Warnings

• Taping an unplanned tear in the paper will affect the way the paper airplane flies. It is best to just start over.