Paper airplanes…. the most amazing thing about them is that all you need to make one is a sheet of paper. You just make a few folds, some adjustments, and fly that plane!
Paper Airplane Folding
Paper airplane folding has been a childhood art for centuries. We’ve all folded one, or at least tried to!
I have to admit, I never quite got the knack of making a really cool paper airplane that would fly. I spent most of my time decorating them. LOL
This page has everything I wish I had known back in the days of making them with my own kids and the kids in my second grade classroom.
Such a disappointment when the eager child came to me, full of expectation, only to learn that I definitely wasn’t the one they wanted to teach them how to fold a paper airplane that would fly.
It's Origami!
Folding paper airplanes is a form of origami. The most classic is the paper airplane that is folded using just a few straight folds on an 8 ½ by 11-inch sheet of paper. It happens to be called the dart plane because of its shape and its flight pattern.
If you want to know more about origami, the art of paper folding, check out our origami page!
You can use origami to fold a dollar bill into a paper airplane! Look below for our link to those directions.
History of Paper Airplanes
The exact beginnings of paper airplanes have been lost with the ancient civilizations.
We do know that the Wright Brothers built hundreds of various paper airplane models which they tested in their homemade wind tunnel. These humble paper airplanes gave the brothers a greater understanding of how the natural forces influence flight and led them to their first successful flight on December 17, 1903.
For a more detailed history of paper airplanes, we have a great link below.
Let's Fold Cool Paper Airplanes!
On this page, you will find links to tutorials, video lessons, and complete instructions on how to fold easy paper airplanes and the more complex paper airplanes that are used in competitions.
Making a paper airplane jet is fantastic fun; with this you can go for super speed. Many of the paper airplanes in these links are models of real airplanes and jets that have been used in wars as fighter jets and as bombers, as well as those used for commercial flights.
We even have a special link with directions to make a paper space shuttle!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to take a look at the links below to start making all types of paper airplanes.
Which one glides the furthest? Which one stays in the air the longest? Can you make one with super speed?
Find out now!
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This post has instructions on making four types of simple paper airplanes, then how you and your kids can test the different airplanes for which fly fastest, glides longest, and more!
Engineering Emily
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What makes the perfect paper airplane? With this experiment, you’ll play with different designs, and see which one flies the best.
Town of Jaffrey
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Try folding some of the cool airplanes here.
Amazing Paper Airplanes
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The intention of this packet by the Federal Aviation Administration is to aid teachers and/or parents as they teach and conduct a fun aviation-focused STEM activity.
Federal Aviation Administration
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This is probably the most iconic paper airplane design, and it's one of the easiest to fold. It flies very well too.
Fold 'N Fly
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Learn how to fold a basic paper airplane with this video or photo tutorial.
By Needlepointers.com
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This classic paper airplane using a handful of straight folds on a standard 8.5- by 11-inch sheet of paper is the one that most of us learn how to fold as children.
Spruce Crafts
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With these instructions, learn how to make a paper airplane with a dollar bill.
Spruce Crafts
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If you make the wings completely level and throw it hard overarm it will fly fast and level indoors for 30 meters or more and it is quite good outside too.
Alex's Paper Airplanes
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This plane was made to resemble an eagle.
If you throw it at the right angle, it will quickly shoot straight into the air just like an eagle. Download & Print!
Fold 'N Fly
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In this instructable, you will learn how to fold the plain awesome origami F-16 paper airplane.
By Joe_Tutorials at Instructables
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Longest time flown? Longest distance flown? Highest altitude flown? Learn some of these fun facts and more.
Paper Plane Depot
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The Hammer is a mean flying machine. Don't let its small size fool you. It's fast and tough and will destroy any plane it comes in contact with.
Origami Way
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Considered by most in modern times to be a child’s pursuit, the humble paper airplane has played an important part in man’s quest for flight. Learn the history of the paper airplane.
Disciples Of Flight
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This straight-shooting plane has a heavy nose, which helps it go far.
Fold 'N Fly
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Learn how to fold the infinity arrow paper airplane with this tutorial.
Origami Way
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This plane was specifically made for speed. It has jet-like speed and shoots straight into the air.
Fold 'N Fly
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There are 16 models and 76 full-color planes in all, a full-color poster of an airport, a pilot's license and flight log, and a field guide to common aircraft.
by Ken Blackburn
- Paperback
- Published 1996
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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In My First Paper Airplane Book, kids meet darts, gliders, and stunt planes—each with its own unique flight path.
by Jessica Allen
- Paperback
- Published 2023
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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Designed to look like a fighter jet, this paper airplane is made for speed. Learn how to make a paper airplane jet.
Fold 'N Fly
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The additional fold gives it more weight at the nose, allowing it to go a far distance.
Alex's Paper Airplanes
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This is a really easy flying saucer that really floats a little bit if you spin it. Make it!
By Ho0ksie125 at Instructables
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Here are four airplane printables to download. Then just fold and fly!
Kiddy Charts
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How to fold a paper airplane.
Exploratorium
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Create 45 unique paper airplanes from 9 different designs each with its own theme!
by Kidlet Club
- Paperback
- Published 2021
Affiliate Link to Amazon
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In this project, kids make two different paper airplane designs and then test out each one to determine which one will fly the furthest.
PPLD Kids
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Watch the instructional video, read the step-by-step instructions, and/or view the step-by-step pictures to make this glider.
By Matt E. Jenkins at Instructables
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A soaring science activity! Learn how to build a paper airplane launcher.
Scientific American
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In this post, you will learn how to fold 4 different paper airplanes with step-by-step photo tutorials- Rocket, Falcon, Super Glider & Bulldog Dart.
Frugal Fun 4 Boys
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Instructions for over two dozen paper airplanes with various degrees of difficulty.
Alex's Paper Airplanes
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A paper jet is a variation on the paper airplane. It looks a bit sleeker and more detailed than a traditional paper plane.
Wiki How
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The cuts on this paper plane are much like real planes.
Fold 'N Fly
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Make a Seaplane paper airplane with these step-by-step illustrated instructions.
Amazing Paper Airplanes
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his origami plane is simple to fold and glides very well. Learn how to make it!
Amazing Paper Airplanes
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This is a very fun plane to fly. If you throw it the right way, it will spin into the air.
Fold 'N Fly
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Become and aircraft designer with scissors and paper.
Exploratorium
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The Spy Plane is a great outdoor paper airplane that can stay in the air for some time if you throw it high enough.
Origami Way
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Once launched, the Star Crusher immediately goes on a hunt for enemy aircraft by turning, diving, and swooping.
Origami Way
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Make 30 Paper Starfighters
Six-Starfighter designs look as great as they fly because they're made from full-color custom-designed paper.
With five copies of each design, kids can have a fleet of Y-wings and X-wings at their command.
This book is a great learning and activity resource which will keep kid's busy for hours.
Affiliate Link at Amazon
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A paper airplane STEM challenge is a terrific way to help teach your kids about science, technology, engineering and math, all while building their brains and making connections through problem-solving.
Kids Activities
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This paper airplane is a stunt plane, so it will do loops, rolls, and turns. Learn how to make one with these instructions.
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This plane will perform amazing loops, corkscrews, and all kinds of stunts. Click the link to learn how to make it.
Crafts U Print
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Kids will love this stunt paper airplane! Check out my step-by-step photo tutorial!
Craftulate
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Flying a paper airplane is a STEM activity that teaches a child the importance of lift, thrust, gravity and drag. Read this article.
Chrandra
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Information on throwing a paper airplane.
Exploratorium
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