Turning waste paper into an airplane is fun. However, your masterpiece may crash or fall before flying smoothly. Understanding the basic knowledge of how to make a paper airplane does not guarantee that the plane will fly smoothly. By understanding the gravity and lift of the plane, you can make the plane fly smoothly. Improve your plane by balancing, raising and bending the wings to keep it from tilting and deviating.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Refolding the Plane
Step 1. Make sure the two wings of the plane are symmetrical
Airplane wings are often folded unevenly so they are not the same length. Unfold your plane and repeat. If there is an extra crease on one side, add it on the other side as well. Thus, the way the wind hits the plane is the same on both sides.
You can also trim off any unbalanced and excess parts. However, this method makes your aircraft unable to be readjusted
Step 2. Shorten the wings of the plane
The aspect ratio of the wings affects the flying power of the aircraft. Long, wide wings are great for making airplanes hover, but you have to throw them gently. Short, broad wings are usually better because you can toss the plane faster and set its course higher. Repeat your plane folds if needed.
Step 3. Adjust the angles of the two wings
Standard aircraft require wings pointing up. If your wings are flat or pointing down, repeat the fold. The upward angle of the wing is called the "dihedral" and increases the lift of the aircraft. Position the wings so that their ends are above the entire fuselage.
Step 4. Add fins to add complexity to the design
Fold the small fins on both wings of the plane. Thus, the paper will be doubled. Grasp the edges of the wings and fold them down and back up. This is an airplane fin whose folds are parallel to the length of the fuselage. These fins will stabilize and strengthen your paper plane.
The fins are useful in more complex aircraft designs. However, fins should not be added to standard needle planes as they will slow down their flight
Part 2 of 3: Improving Aircraft Stability
Step 1. Bend the back end up for planes that crash frequently
Stable paper planes are able to fly farther and faster. Paper planes usually perform better when so-called elevators are added. Grasp the back end of your plane, which is the wingtip on a standard needle plane, and bend it slightly upwards with your finger.
The elevator will offset the weight of the nose of the plane
Step 2. Reduce the weight of the nose on the glider
This helps balance the plane so it doesn't tend to float straight up. Wrap the nose of the plane with a layer or two of masking tape, or attach a paper clip. Test your plane and adjust it if needed.
Heavy aircraft can fly better outdoors
Step 3. Bend the back end of the plane down on the glider
This method is done on planes that tend to fly up when thrown. Slightly bend the back end of the plane with your fingers. Try throwing your plane back. If it's still not quite balanced, try adding weight on the nose of the plane.
Step 4. Bend left for right-leaning planes
If the tail of the plane has two sides, bend the left side up and the right side down. When the air goes through the bend, the plane's direction will change.
Step 5. Bend right for left-leaning airplanes
Otherwise, drag the right side up, and the left side down. This bend will improve airflow so that the plane hovers more stable.
Part 3 of 3: Adjusting the Throw
Step 1. Grasp the bottom of the plane
On most paper planes, this is the main fold of the plane. Since you've adjusted the plane's balance, hold it exactly in the middle with your fingers. In this position, the aircraft gains its stability.
Step 2. Gently toss the long, thin winged plane
Thinner planes fly better. A strong throw will damage the plane and disrupt its flight direction. Bring your wrists forward in a pushing motion. Keep the plane parallel to the floor.
Step 3. Throw the short, outer plane up
Short-wing aircraft will fly better if thrown strongly. Point the plane up. Use the same pushing motion, but apply more force. If you make a needle plane, this movement will stabilize the plane as it descends.
Non-needle planes should be thrown upwards gently using a pushing motion
Tips
- Test your aircraft regularly to see what adjustments are needed
- The tail will slow down the standard needle plane. To make it takes extra effort and will hinder the flow of air.
- Thin paper will make the plane float better, but it won't withstand a strong throw.
- If you want the plane to fly further, attach a paper clip to the front of the fuselage.
