The thirst for flights arose among mankind at the dawn of time, when our ancestors first looked at the sky. From Icarus levitation in Greek mythology to modern Superman’s speed maneuvers, this incredible ability has always been a man’s dream, which has partially but already come true. And the do-it-yourself paper-built airplanes played a significant role here.
Paper and the human brain
Before real aircraft saw the light, they tried to make them from improvised materials, including paper. Long before the first Boeing appeared, many artists and engineers looked at paper planes as an object of realization of their imagination. And the best projects could even become prototypes of real aircraft. Now you can make the most different in size and shape of paper planes with your own hands.
Creation of paper aerodynamic structures
Despite the fact that this activity seems to be just a child’s fun, in fact it is a whole science. It all started with the fact that in 1930, Jack Northrop, the founder of Lockheed Corporation, used paper planes. These were a kind of tools for implementing new ideas in the design of real aircraft. At the world level, whole sport shows are even held, where the champions in launching this unique technique compete. In order to make a paper airplane that flies for a long time, you need a sheet of thick A4 paper and some free time.
A wide variety of shapes and patterns
DIY paper planes are made in completely different ways, from the simplest to incredibly complex designs with many elements. However, there is one feature that unites absolutely all paper flight devices. It consists in folding paper, other manipulations are prohibited. That is, to work you need only hands and a sheet of paper, no scissors, glue and tape. How to make a paper airplane that flies long and long distances? There are many models, and therefore a large number of ways to construct them.
Simple circuit
We all made paper airplanes in childhood . Schemes that even a child can do are simple, including only a few simple actions. More complex designs require more time, manipulation and patience. Moreover, depending on which scheme was chosen, what will be the appearance, as well as the duration and specifics of the flight. Somewhere you may need paper softer and thinner, and somewhere - quite the opposite. Some created paper planes with their own hands write a straight line in the air, while others are capable of maneuvering.
Very useful activity
Making airplanes out of paper with your own hands is not only interesting, but also very useful. Firstly, fine motor skills of the fingers develop. Secondly, imagination and creative thinking are stimulated. Thirdly, there is a concentration of attention, since a specific sequence of manipulations should be observed, which, in turn, strengthens self-discipline.
Where to begin?
The main advantage when creating such models is that the minimum amount of materials and devices is used. All that is needed is a sheet of A4 paper (color does not matter), a little patience, perseverance and the presence of a certain pattern before your eyes. To decorate finished products, you can use markers, paints, stickers and so on.
Paper airplane: step by step instructions
- Step 1. Take a piece of paper and bend it in the middle so that the fold line is exactly in the center. After that, deploy it back.
- Step 2. We bend the upper corners from both sides to the line where the central fold passes.
- Step 3. Fold the sheet horizontally so that the resulting triangle looks nose down.
- Step 4. Bend the edges on both sides, forming the so-called “towing flaps”.
- Step 5. Bend the wings. To do this, add two more leaves to the center of the plane. The figure is already starting to look like a real paper airplane.
- Step 6. We make additional folds on the wings parallel to the central fold.
- Step 7. The airplane is ready to fly!
- Step 8: bonus. If you want your paper airplane to fly further and longer, you need to fix a regular paper clip in front on the case. Extra weight will help him fly a greater distance.
There are many skills that parents pass on to their children: how to ride a bicycle, how to learn to swim, and, of course, how to make paper planes with their own hands.