Q&A for How to Make a Paper Airplane

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  • Question
    Can I do the wet paper folding technique when making paper airplanes?
    Coco Sato
    Origamist and Contemporary Artist
    Coco Sato is an Origamist and Contemporary Artist based in Brighton, UK. She is an award-winning contemporary artist specializing in origami and geometric sculptures. With a multidisciplinary practice encompassing sculpture, performance, psychology, and geometry, she explores shifting perspectives through the intricate art of origami. Coco’s work bridges cultures by combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary concepts, inviting audiences to reconsider their relationship with the world.
    Origamist and Contemporary Artist
    Expert Answer
    Wet folding is an interesting technique, but it’s not ideal for making paper airplanes. Wet folding works best for creating smooth curves or rounded shapes because the slight dampness allows the paper to bend and hold softer lines without breaking. Also, paper airplanes rely on sharp, straight folds to fly well. Adding water makes it harder to achieve those clean edges, and moisture could weaken your paper, which makes your airplane flimsy and prone to tearing. If you're folding paper airplanes, stick to dry folding.
  • Question
    Will this paper airplane fly very far?
    Community Answer
    It can fly far if thrown correctly. The best way to throw is to grab the bottom of it between the back and middle. Keep your arm completely level or slightly tilted up while stepping forwards and swinging it ahead. Then let go. It takes some practice to master, but the better you get, the faster and further your paper airplane will go.
  • Question
    Will it be easy for me to make a paper airplane the first time I try?
    Community Answer
    Yes, if you follow the instructions, making a paper airplane is easy, even the first time. If it doesn't fly as well as you would like, keep trying. Remember, practice makes perfect!
  • Question
    How far does the classic airplane fly?
    Community Answer
    The 'classic' airplane can fly up to about 12 feet, depending on how well it is made, the type of paper, if there is wind, and how well it is thrown.
  • Question
    Did anyone make it right on their first try?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you just need to make sure you follow the instructions/guide very carefully.
  • Question
    Can you use cardboard if you'd like a more sturdy plane or would it be too heavy and hard?
    Community Answer
    You can use cardboard, but it would be harder and it wouldn't fly as far because it is too heavy.
  • Question
    Can we use blank white printer paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes- you can use blank white printer paper and you will get the same result.
  • Question
    Can I use a sticky note?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it may be slightly more difficult because it's sticky.
  • Question
    Do I always have to use an 8.5" x 11" paper?
    Community Answer
    No, you can use any size you want. As long as it is a rectangle, it will work just the same.
  • Question
    Is there an easier way?
    Community Answer
    Fold the corners of the paper, then fold the paper in half backward vertically. Open the wings, and there you go.
  • Question
    How hard should I throw the paper airplane?
    Community Answer
    The throw does not matter. The flight depends on how the plane was made.
  • Question
    Which airplane flies farther: Advanced or Classic?
    Community Answer
    Definitely Advanced, but it mostly depends on how you throw it. Personally I think the Advanced is easier to throw.
  • Question
    Which design of paper plane flies the farthest?
    Community Answer
    On this page, without any modifications, the advanced plane is probably your best bet.
  • Question
    How do I add drag to an advanced paper airplane?
    Ella Dempsey
    Community Answer
    Add more flaps onto the paper airplane to increase drag. To increase thrust, add more (control) surfaces.
  • Question
    Can I make an airplane with lined paper?
    Community Answer
    Yes. A paper airplane can be made with almost any type of paper, as long as it isn't too heavy.
  • Question
    Will this airplane fly well?
    Community Answer
    If you follow the instructions and make the plane correctly, then yes, it should!
  • Question
    How thick does the paper need to be?
    Kimaya
    Community Answer
    The paper needs to be thin enough and thick enough to fly high and far, as well as not fall down easily. Printer paper would work.
  • Question
    How far was the farthest paper airplane flight?
    Community Answer
    226 feet,10 inches! On Feb. 26, former college football quarterback Joe Ayoob broke the world record.
  • Question
    It won't work for me and now my floor is littered with paper. Any advice?
    Jeff Gabriel
    Community Answer
    Try to throw it harder. Use lighter paper like plain paper. You can use card stock but it might be too heavy.
  • Question
    What paper is best to make a paper airplane with?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't matter what paper you use, as long as it is not too heavy.
  • Question
    If I mess up on one can I try again?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Keep practicing until you get it right. The only thing limiting you is your paper supply.
  • Question
    Do you think there are other ways to make a paper airplane?
    Community Answer
    Yes. There are other ways. A few of them are simple, but many of them aren't.
  • Question
    Why does my airplane spin off to one side or the other instead of going straight?
    Community Answer
    You might not be holding it right. Hold it steady from the middle. Make sure that it stays straight, and don't try to fly it outside on a windy day.
  • Question
    Who invented airplanes?
    Community Answer
    The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, invented the first airplane.
  • Question
    Does the speed depend on the weight?
    Community Answer
    It depends on both weight and design.
  • Question
    How can I make it fly fast and far?
    Community Answer
    Just fold the edges of the wings, and it will fly farther than normal.
  • Question
    Do I need a 5x5 paper?
    Community Answer
    No, a normal printer paper will do the job.
  • Question
    How can you make this fly for a longer distance?
    Community Answer
    Throw it harder. The harder you throw it, the farther it will go.
  • Question
    How fast would a paper airplane go if it was cardboard?
    Community Answer
    It would go slower than a paper plane because a paper plane would be lighter, but it would probably be sturdier during a crash.
  • Question
    All my planes turn out to be boomerangs. How do I make one go far?
    Community Answer
    Just keep practicing the construction process. You are probably just folding the wings in a way that causes the plane to return to you.
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