How to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane

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A loop de loop paper plane is a type of paper airplane that performs a loop upon release. It can be a fun variation of a standard paper airplane as this plane mimics tricks that you might see fighter jets perform in air shows. This type of paper airplane won't fly like a regular paper airplane. Instead, it will perform a loop before gliding to the ground. This is due to its design consisting of two flat, wide wings and elevator flaps in the back that make it loop. To make a loop de loop paper airplane, all you need is a piece of paper and a few simple folds before you can take off.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Making the Initial Folds

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  1. Using standard A4 or printer paper, measuring 8.5 inches by 11 inches, fold it in half lengthwise and make a crease before unfolding the paper.
    • Align the edges of your paper and run your hand down the crease to get a nice fold.
    • When you unfold your paper, you will now have a valley crease.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Using your center crease as a guide, align each edge so both folds are even.

    Crease the outer edges to keep your folds in place. You will now have two triangles which together form one large triangle.

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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Fold the triangle you just created downward towards you. [1]
    • Fold along the bottom edge of your triangle.
    • The tip should align with the crease and make your paper look like a tall envelope.
    • The top layer of paper will resemble an equilateral triangle pointing down, like the flap of an envelope.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Creating the Body of Your Paper Plane

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    The two corners will meet about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) above the tip from your previous fold.
    • These two points will naturally fold on a diagonal leaving a space in the middle.
    • With these sides folded in, you should have a flat nose at the top of your paper plane.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Fold the triangle of about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) up to cover the center points from your previous fold.
    • This fold will help to keep the flaps you’ve just folded in place.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Fold backward along your initial crease keeping your previous folds on the outside.
    • When making this fold, you’re folding in the opposite direction of your very first fold.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Forming the Wings of Your Paper Plane

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Leaving a 1 centimeter (0.4 in) area for the body, fold down one side of the paper.

    When you flip your paper over to fold down the second wing, match the fold of the first wing. It’s important that both wings are equal for proper flight.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Take a portion of paper on the back of each wing and fold it away from you to form an isosceles triangle, meaning the two sides are longer than the base.

    These elevator flaps create drag when you throw the plane. The flaps pull the nose up causing your paper plane to perform a loop de loop in the air [2]

    After you fold the first elevator flap, flip your paper over to fold the second. Make sure the edges of the folds are even with one another

  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Pinch the base of your plane and fan out the wings so that the top of the plane is flat. Next, fold up the elevator flaps so that the flaps create a 90-degree angle with the top of the wings.
    • You can either tape or staple the front and back of your plane to keep the wings closer together, and the base more stable if you wish.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Loop De Loop Paper Airplane
    Hold the plane in its center and throw using your forearm.
    • When you throw your loop de loop plane, angle the nose upward slightly to help the plane fly farther and perform a loop.
    • Flick your wrist forward upon release when throwing.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Why didn't my airplane fly?
    Community Answer
    It could be a matter of improper angles, improper speed, or creases in the plane. I would recommend trying a new plane and being more gentle with your throws.
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    Not Helpful 95 Helpful 120
  • Question
    Can this airplane actually make a loop?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but only if you fly it with just enough force. If you fly it too hard or too soft, if won't.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 71 Helpful 135
  • Question
    Why did mine not work?
    Community Answer
    You may have folded the wings wrong so try the steps again. Try with an easier air plane and then try to do this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • Never aim your plane at anyone. Though this plane performs a loop, it could still hit someone if you aren’t careful.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Printer paper.
      • Stapler or tape if desired.

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-triangle-or-shawl-fold.html
      2. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-paper-planes-drag/

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