Facts on Paper Airplanes

Folding paper airplanes is a fun and inexpensive hobby for all ages.

History

It's impossible to know when the first paper airplane was created, but it was likely long before the first real airplane took flight. Paper folding and kite-making, both popular art forms in Asia, may have resulted in some of the first paper airplanes hundreds of years ago.

Function

Paper airplanes are a lot of fun, but they hold scientific value as well. They can help teach the basic concepts of engineering and aerodynamics.

Features

Paper airplanes are typically made with a standard 8 1/2 X 11" sheet of paper. They must have wings, but may have a tail, rudder, tail fins or keel, depending on the design.

Considerations

It is important to fold paper airplanes carefully, so they are well balanced. Even a small variation might change the flight pattern.

Fun Fact

The World Record for paper airplane flight belongs to Ken Blackburn. His plane stayed aloft for 27.6 seconds in 1998.

Resources

• CNN Article on World Record Flight
• Best Paper Airplanes