ORIGAMI

AIRPLANES
How to Fold and Design Them

Florence Temko

TUTTLE PUBLISHING
Tokyo • Rutland, Vermont • Singapore
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I owe a debt of gratitude to many friends in the international
origami community who, over many years, have always been
ready to share their interest in paperfolding. I wish I could name
everyone, but I regret that is impossible. I would like to thank
those who have patiently participated in the time-consuming
task of testing the directions and have offered their general
encouragement and support: John Andrisan, who not only test
folded some of the planes but also responded readily to any of
my questions about aerodynamics with constructive answers,
and who can launch a plane better than anyone else; Tyler
Anyon; Yolanda Anyon; Sharon Brengel; Cath Kachur (who
decorated the Blunt Nose Plane); V'Ann Cornelius; Jim Cowley;
Arlene Edelstein; Dorothy Engleman; Tanya Dean; Charlie De
Stefano; Alexandra Hirsch; Erin Hook; Judith Jaskowiak, Curt
Lange; Helen Watt and Jennifer Lantagne (supportive editors);
David Lister (former president of the British Origami Society);
George Ondovchak; Dane Petersen; Nancy Petersen; Lisa and
Mark Saliers; Renee Santillo; Carol Stevens; David Temko;
Dennis Temko; Janet Temko; Perri Temko; and Rachel Temko.
First published in the United States in 2004 by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus
Editions (HK) Ltd., with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon,
Vermont 05759 U.S.A.

Copyright © 2004 by Florence Temko

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or
by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from
the publisher.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Temko, Florence.
   Origami airplanes : how to fold and design them/Florence Temko—1st ed.;
        p. cm.
   ISBN: 978-1-4629-0565-2 (ebook)
        1. Paper airplanes. 2. Origami. I. Title.
   TL778 T45 2004
   745.592—dc21

2003050717

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Text design by Linda Carey

Illustrations by Clay Fernald and Daniel P. Brennan based on original diagrams by
Florence Temko
Photograhs by Dave Kutchukian
Printed in Singapore

TUTTLE PUBLISHING® is a registered trademark of Tuttle Publishing, a division of

Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 5
International Competition 5

ABOUT ORIGAMI TECHNIQUES 5

Basic Procedures 5
Valley Fold 5
Mountain Fold 6
Existing Crease 6
Arrows 6
Reverse Fold 7
How to Cut Paper Squares 8
Helpful Tips 8
 Diagram Shading 8
Measurements 8
Degree of Difficulty 8
About Paper 9

FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) 9

History 9
Origami Language 10
Crease Patterns 10
Further Information 11

GENERAL FLYING HELP 12

Accuracy 12
Launching 12
Wings 12
13
 Caution

HOW TO FOLD ORIGAMI AIRPLANES 14

Classic Dart 14
Blunt-Nose Plane 16
Sideways Plane 18
Delta Cruiser 20
Flying Wing 22
Square Paper Plane 25
Big Nose 28
Angel Wing 30
Stealth Plane 32
Whirlybird 34
Global Flyer 36
Smoothie 38
Comet 40
Flying Bill 43
Looper 44
Flying Bug 46
Prize Winner 48
Reverse fold 48
 Arms Crossed 50
Satellite 52
Fighter Plane 53

BUILDING AN AIRPORT 56

DECORATIONS 57

CONTESTS 58
HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN PAPER
60
AIRPLANES

Aerodynamics 60
A Design Attempt 61
Aerobatics 62
Experimenting 62
Science Project 63
Authentic Silhouettes 63
Conclusion 63

GLOSSARY 64
 Introduction

A paper airplane is one of the most popular and least

expensive toys, yet sending one zooming into the air
provides an exhilarating experience every time.
It is possible to fold many kinds of paper airplanes by
following step-by-step directions, but it is less well known that it
is quite easy to invent entirely new designs.

This thought occurred to me when I read about the First

International Paper Airplane Competition held in 1967 at the
New York Hall of Science. This contest was set up to find the
best models in several different categories, such as Distance
Aloft, Duration Aloft, and Origami. When I learned that 12,000
entries had been received, I realized that the possibilities of
creating new airplanes were infinite.
As the author of many how-to books, I decided to combine
two basic aspects of constructing paper airplanes in Origami
Airplanes: How to Fold and Design Them.

step-by-step instructions for folding sheets of paper into

airplanes without any cutting or gluing, in accordance
with the principles of origami; and
ideas for constructing new airplanes.
 In using this book, it is a good idea to begin folding some
planes by following the directions and experimenting with the
best flight patterns.AII designs have been tested and are good
fliers. After you have gained some experience, it will be easier to
design your own planes successfully. The explanations of the
basics of construction and aerodynamics will help you in your
quest. All planes can benefit from adjustments outlined in the
sections "General Flying Help" and "How to Design Your Own
Paper Airplane."
Have a good flight, and enjoy the magic moment when your
plane seems suspended in the air and then keeps on gliding.
 About Origami Techniques

T o help you make sense of the lines and arrows on the

drawings, you should study the explanations of a few basic
techniques. It will be well worth a few minutes to learn to
recognize the following procedures which are international
standards for origami.

Basic Procedures
1. Valley Fold
In general, you can fold paper toward you or away from you.
In origami, the forward crease is called a valley fold. In the
diagrams it is shown by a line of dashes.

Fold the square in half by bringing one edge of the paper

toward you and matching it to the opposite edge.
You have made a valley fold.
With this one simple fold you have made a greeting card.
2. Mountain Fold
When you crease paper to the back, away from you, it's called a
mountain fold. In the diagrams it is shown by a line of dashes
and dots.

Fold the square in half by guiding one edge of the paper to

the back and matching it to the opposite edge.

You have made a mountain fold. With this one simple fold,
you have made a tent.
3. Existing Crease
A crease made previously is shown in the diagrams by a thin
line that does not touch the edges.

4. Arrows
In the drawings you will see four kinds of arrows. They indicate
the direction in which to fold.

Make a valley fold

Make a mountain fold

 Double Arrow - Fold and unfold the same crease.

Curly Arrow - Turn the paper over.

5. Reverse Fold
One of the most common moves is called a reverse fold.
1. Fold a small square from corner to corner.

2. Place the paper exactly as shown. Fold the top corner over to
the right, so that it peeks over the open edge.

3a. Let the paper open up, and swing the corner of the paper in
between the two layers of paper on the crease you made in
step 2.
3b. Close up the paper.

4. Completed reverse fold.

The instructions for making a reverse fold are indicated with a

dash-dot-dash line, the same as for a mountain fold, but the text
states that you must make a reverse fold.
You may wonder why this procedure is called a "reverse"
fold: In step 2 you see that the doubled paper is made up of a
mountain fold on the front layer and a valley fold on the back
layer. After you have pushed the corner in between the two
layers of paper in step 3 you have "reversed" the valley fold into
a mountain fold.

How to Cut Paper Squares

Many of the projects in this book begin with a square piece
of paper. All sides are of equal length and all corners are right
(90-degree) angles. Paper can be squared on a board paper
cutter, if available, but it's quite easy to cut any rectangular
sheet into a square:
 1. Fold a short edge to a long edge.
2. Cut off the extra rectangle.

3. A square.

Sheets of 8½" x 11" copy and other printing papers can be cut
into two sizes:

With one cut, you will have squares with 8½" sides.
With two cuts, you will have two squares with 5½" sides.

Copy shops will usually cut a whole ream of paper for a

small fee. A ream will provide five hundred 8½" squares or a
thousand 5½" squares.

Helpful Tips
If you are having trouble with a step, check the following:
 1. Make sure you distinguish carefully between a valley fold
(dashed line) and a mountain fold (dash-dot-dash line).
2. Be sure to observe the curly arrow ask ing you to turn the
paper over.
3. Compare your paper to the illustrations for:
• the step you are working on;
• the step before; and
• the next one, which is your goal.
4. Read the directions out loud.

Diagrams
The darker shading on the diagrams indicates the colored side
of the paper, if you are using paper which is colored on one side
only.
For the sake of clarity, the illustrations may increase in size
from the beginning of the project to the end. But the angles are
always consistent, and you can test your own paper against
them.

Measurements
Measurements are given in inches and centimeters, but they
may not always be exactly equal, in order to avoid awkward
fractions. In some cases specific sizes are recommended, but in
most cases you may use smaller or larger pieces of paper.

Degree of Difficulty
On a scale of difficulty the planes vary from simple to
intermediate.

About Paper
Most fairly thin, uncoated papers with a crisp surface are
suitable for folding origami airplanes. Generally planes are
folded from rectangular letter or notebook papers, 8½" x 11" , or
equally well from A4 (210 mm x 294 mm). Some planes are
folded from squares. You can cut your own paper squares, or
use ready-cut squares of origami paper, which are available in
varying sizes and colors in some art, museum, and gift stores.
For a display of suspended planes, use colorful gift wrap,
especially shiny paper-backed foil.

Experiment with different weights of paper to find out how

each one affects flight performance.
 FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions)
What is the history of paper planes?
Since the time of the ancient Greek civilization, humans have
envied birds and tried to imitate their flight. Various attempts to
fly occurred before the airplane as we know it now emerged.

For example, the Chinese people used large kites to become

airborne and often employed them as military weapons.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is credited with one of the first
drawings of an airplane, a parachute, and an "air screw," which
was a sort of twirler. In 1783 in France, the Montgolfier brothers
flew a hot air balloon made of cloth lined with paper as a result
of their own attempts to conquer the air.
The history of power-controlled airplanes begins in 1903,
when the brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright managed to keep a
motor-driven plane in the air for 59 seconds at Kitty Hawk, North
Carolina. A British duo, John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown,
followed with the first successful flight across the Atlantic Ocean
in 1919. Paper airplanes seem to have first appeared at around
the same time.
The Guinness World Record for time aloft for a paper plane
is attributed to Ken Blackburn who set that record in 1994 at
18.80 seconds. In 2002, high school student Roy Blair set a
record by flying a paper airplane a distance of 30.75 meters
(33.63 yards).

What is the history of paperfolding?

"Origami" is a Japanese word consisting of ori meaning to fold,
and gami meaning paper, which means folding a piece of paper
into a recognizable object without any cutting or gluing. The
word has slipped into the English language because
paperfolding has spread from Japan, where it is part of the
culture. It is known that paper has been folded in Japan since
the twelfth century for ceremonial purposes and that in the
sixteenth century, paper began to be folded for decorative use
and entertainment.
Records show that paper was folded in Europe in the
fourteenth century. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it
was common practice to fold square baptismal certificates in set
patterns.
The kind of recreational origami now popular in Asia and
Western countries began in the late nineteenth century, but
received its greatest impetus in the latter half of the twentieth
century.
What is origami language?
If we accept one dictionary definition of the word language as
"any mode of communication," then origami itself is a language.
When paperfolders find themselves in situations where they
have no common language with other people, they often fold
and give away an origami bird or toy. They are communicating
very well, eliciting smiles and friendship.
In addition, some procedures which may involve several
steps are described more simply."Reverse fold" is such a term.
In the instructions for Origami Airplanes I have referred to these
shortcuts as "origami language."

Where do models originate?

There are three sources:
• Traditional: In many cultures toys are folded from paper,
like the dart airplane or the hat made from a newspaper.
• Known creators: When paperfolders show or teach
models by known creators they always credit them by
name.
• Unknown creators: When a model is handed around
informally at parties, in schools, and elsewhere, the
name of the creator may unfortunately become lost in
the shuffle.
The planes in this book are either my own designs,
traditional, or created by designers who have been credited.
Because of the many possible variations in airplane patterns,
some designs may be similar to ones that have been created by
others but whose names are unfortunately no longer
distinguishable.

Is the use of tape and paper dips permitted?

Paperfolders usually frown on the use of scissors, sticky tape,
and paper clips in origami, but they are acceptable for fine
tuning the flight of paper airplanes.
What are crease patterns?
Directions for origami models are usually shared step-by-step,
as in this book. In a recent development paperfolders are using
crease patterns instead. Crease patterns show the lines that
remain on a flat paper sheet after a model has been been folded
and then unfolded completely. Some paperfolders consider
folding complex origamis from crease patterns a technical
challenge. A creator may even map out a folding pattern before
actually taking a piece of paper in hand.

As an example of this method, you can try the Classic Dart

Plane from this crease pattern, showing valley and mountain
folds.
What about copyrights?
You may fold any origami and photocopy printed instructions for
your own personal use. You cannot include them in handouts or
any printed or electronic format without permission from the
creator or copyright holder, which may be a publisher. For more
detailed information, consult the guidelines provided by
OrigamiUSA (see address below).

How can I meet other paperfolders?

It's great fun to meet with other paper-folders. You will be
welcomed at origami clubs that exist in many localities.
Members of all ages usually meet monthly to exchange
directions for models and share other information. OrigamiUSA
holds an annual convention in New York City that is attended by
more than 600 enthusiasts from many countries. Other
conventions take place in different locations.

Further Information
Readers interested in learning more about paperfolding can use
the keyword "origami" on the Internet. The following American
and British groups can connect you with other paperfolders in
your area or your country:

OrigamiUSA
15 West 77th Street
New York, NY 10024
USA
www.origami-usa.org

British Origami Society

c/o Penny Groom
2A The Chestnuts
Countesthorpe, Leicester
LE8 5TL, United Kingdom
www.britishorigami.org.uk
 General Flying Help

F olding a plane is only the first part of a successful flight

because almost any paper plane can be launched to fly for
a distance. A really good plane doesn't just shoot through the air
but seems to float for at least a moment.

Experimenting with the following suggestions will help you to

achieve that super plane which goes the extra distance, stays
up longer, and gives you that thrilling moment.
The information about aerodynamics given in the chapter
"How to Design Your Own Paper Airplanes;' will give you
additional help to improve the flight patterns of any plane, but it
is often difficult to tell in advance which adjustments will work
best. In most cases, fine tuning is necessary.

Accuracy
Fold all planes carefully, with sharp creases. Unevenness
affects the symmetry of the plane and upsets its delicate
balance. Look at the plane head-on to make sure that both sides
are even. It stands to reason that the plane will wobble if it is not
balanced equally.

Launching
A good launch determines the success of your plane, and there
is no doubt that some people have a knack for launching planes
into better flights.A plane can be launched straight ahead or with
an upthrust. It's usually best to release it gently, not with a jerk.
Hold it under the wings, push, and release it into an upward
path. But there are other launching methods, and you may be
amazed how much difference they can make in the performance
of your plane.

• Change the direction of the launch, perhaps higher up into

the air or straight ahead.
• With each experimental launching slide your hand into a
different position along the underside of the plane.
• Launch the plane underhand.
• Launch the plane from the top of a staircase or other high
point.
• Try different launching speeds.
 • Experiment by adding a paper clip or a piece of tape in
different places.
• Wind direction influences flight patterns out of doors.
Some people prefer to launch planes into the wind.

Wings
Wing Shape
• Adjusting the wing surface area may affect flight distance.
This may be accomplished by folding out the wings
closer or farther away from the body of the plane.
• Wings can be curved by curling the paper gently.
• Long wing spans are better when you want to achieve
long distance or endurance flights.

Wing Position
Flight patterns change by moving the wings up or down. They
should normally be angled up a little above the horizontal. This
slight upward angle is called the dihedral.
Tabs
Tabs are small cuts of about ½" (1 cm) at the back of the wings.
Although there is no hard and fast rule for the width of tabs, on a
standard letter-size piece of paper the cuts seem to work well at
1" (3 cm) apart, one tab on each side of the wing. Feel free to
experiment and find out what works best for you. Tabs can help
a plane to climb or dive.

Stabilizers
You can crease stabilizers (vertical flaps on the wing) on both
sides or curve the corners of the wings either up or down. They
can be equal or uneven to produce interesting flight patterns.
They can be parallel to the center crease or angled.

Additions
The nose of a plane should be heavier than the rear. You can
increase the weight of the nose with added folds at the front of
the plane or by adding a paper clip or sticky tape to the nose.
A piece of sticky tape or a staple can also serve to hold the
two sides of a plane together, reducing air resistance.
 Taping a coin to the underside of a plane can improve flight.
After a few repositionings, a penn) placed forward of the center
of a Flying Wing worked well.
Always try out different positions for the additions.

Caution
Never aim a plane toward people, as the pointed nose might
cause injury.
CLASSIC DART
Most people already know how to fold the Classic Dart from
letter or notebook paper. It is easy to construct and flies well.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)

1a. Fold the paper in half the long way.

1b. Unfold the paper flat.
2. At one end, fold the corners to the middle crease.

3. Fold the slanted edges to the middle crease.

4a. Fold the slanted edges again to the middle crease.

4b. Turn the paper over.

5. Fold the plane in half the long way.

6. Loosen the wings to stick out to the sides.

7. Completed Classic Dart

Hold the plane underneath and launch it slightly upward.
BLUNT-NOSE PLANE
This plane has an unusual silhouette, but flies well with the
adjustable slats on the wings. It also performs loops.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1. Fold a short edge to the long edge, right through the top left-
hand corner.

2. Fold the top corner over to the right.

3. Fold the new top corner down to the bottom edge of the top
layer.

4. Fold the plane in half.

5. Fold down the top edges, first on the front and then on the
back. The creases begin halfway up the front edge.

6a. Fold up the bottom edges on the front and the back to make
slats.
6b. Let the wings stick out to the sides.
6c. Let the slats stick straight up.

7. Completed Blunt-Nose Plane

Hold the plane near its nose and push
it gently into an upward path.
SIDEWAYS PLANE
The plane does not fly sideways, but you place the paper
sideways before you begin folding.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1a. Fold the paper in half the short way.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2. Fold the two top corners to the middle crease.

3. Fold the two loose edges up to the slanted edges.

4. Fold the top corner down.

5. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back.

6. Fold the bottom edge up, exactly as shown. Make a sharp

crease by folding first to the back, then to the front.
7. Unfold the last crease and hide the same corner between the
two main layers of paper on the creases made in step 6. In
origami language this is called a reverse fold.

8. Fold the wings down on both sides. Begin the creases about
two-thirds up the front end and end them at the bottom
corner at the back.
9a. The corner sticking up is the rudder. Fold it down with a very
sharp crease. Unfold.
9b. Hide half the rudder in between the two layers of paper on
the creases made in step 9a. This is another reverse fold.
9c. Loosen the wings out to the sides.

10. Completed Sideways Plane

Experiment with placing pieces of sticky tape in different
positions on the top of the plane or on the nose.
DELTA CRUISER
The construction of the Sideways Plane encouraged me to
begin another plane with the paper placed with the long edge at
the top. The Delta Cruiser resulted, which turned out to be a
good flyer.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1a. Fold the paper in half the short way.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.
1c. Make a valley fold beginning at a bottom corner, and guide
the adjacent top corner to lie on the existing crease.
1d. Repeat on the other side.

2. Fold both sides of the top edge to the middle crease.

3. Fold the top corner down.

4. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back

5a. Fold the bottom edge up, making a sharp crease.

5b. Unfold it and push the bottom edge up in between the main
layers of paper. In origami language this is called a reverse
fold. You have made a rudder.

6. Fold the wings down and out to each side.

 7. Completed Delta Cruiser
It flies even better with a paper clip on the nose.
FLYING WING
The Flying Wing is made up of two wings—without a body.
This aircraft designer's idea performed well as a prototype
model, but was never put into full production. Perhaps the
engineer's dream will be fulfilled some time in the future.
But it's easy to produce a Flying Wing from paper, and you
will find that it flies beautifully.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1a. Place the paper with the long edge at the top.
1b. Fold the paper in half.
1c. Unfold the paper flat.

2. Fold the top corners down to the middle crease.

3. Fold the top corner down to the bottom edge of the top layer.

4. On the right and left fold the top edges to the middle crease.

5. Turn the paper over.

6a. Fold the outside corners in about 1" (3 cm).

6b. Loosen the two outside corners so they stick up.
 7. Completed Flying Wing
Launch the plane by holding it underneath at the middle crease,
and pushing it slightly upward. Adjust the angle of the outside
corners as necessary.
SQUARE PAPER PLANE
Most origami animals and other objects are folded from square
pieces of paper, and this plane follows in that tradition. Pre-cut
origami squares and other light-weight papers are best.

You need:
A square piece of paper
1a. Fold the square from corner to corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2. Find the middle of the crease you have just made by bringing
the top and bottom corners together and making a small
pinch mark.
3. Fold the top corner down to the pinch mark.

4. Fold the left and right sides of the top edge to the middle
crease.
5 Unfold the creases you just made.

6. Fold the outside corners over to the creases made in step 4.

7. Fold the outside corners over to the same creases again.

8. Fold on the two creases made in step 4.

9a. Make a pinch mark halfway between A and B.

9b. Fold the top corner to the pinch mark.
10. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back.

11a. Place the paper exactly as shown. Make a pinch mark in

the middle of the right edge.
11b. Fold the bottom edge to the pinch mark, making a sharp
crease.

12. Unfold step 11b and reverse fold the paper in between the
main layers of paper on the same creases.
13. Fold the wings down and out to the sides. Note where the
creases begin and end.

14. Completed Square Paper Plane

A piece of tape may improve the flight. The plane likes to loop.
BIG NOSE
This plane requires a long rectangle, which can be easily
made by cutting a piece of letter paper in half the long way.

You need:
A piece of paper, 41/4" x 11"
1. Fold the short top edge to the left long edge, making the
crease through the top left corner. Unfold.

2. Fold the short top edge to the opposite long edge making the
crease through the top right corner. Unfold.
3. You will see the creases make an X on the paper. Make a
mountain fold to the back, right through the middle of the X.
Unfold it.

4. Push down on the middle of the X. Then grasp both sides of

the paper and bring A and B together in the middle. Flatten
the top of the paper into a triangle. See the next diagram.
5. Turn the paper over.

6. Fold the top layers of each slanted

7. Fold the plane in half. edge to the middle, leaving the corners
behind them untouched.

8. Fold the wings out to each side, with creases parallel to the
bottom edge.

9. Spread the wings, and the triangle corners at the front, to the
outside and slightly up.
10. Completed Big Nose
ANGEL WING
For most paper airplanes, the first steps are intended to
create a pointed nose. When I realized this, I decided to arrive
at a new formation, resulting in this plane that looks like a
winged angel

You need:
A square piece of paper
1a. Fold the square in half.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2. The paper is now divided into two rectangles. Fold the top left
corner over, making a diagonal crease on the left rectangle.
3. Fold the corner to the left, along the middle crease.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the right side.

5. Fold the top corner down to the point where the creases
meet.

6. Fold the same corner up on a line even with the two outside
corners A and B.

7. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back.

8a. Fold the wings down, parallel to the folded bottom edge.
8b. Spread the wings to the outside and slightly upward.

9. Completed Angel Wing

STEALTH PLANE
The unusual profile of the Stealth Plane represents a new
way to build advanced aircraft. It was originally designed to
deflect radar signals, preserving its secrecy in the air. Here I
have imitated it by knotting a strip of paper. Paperfolder John
Andrisan came up with a similar pentaflier.

You need:
A piece of paper, 1" x 8½" (3 cm x 21 cm)
Scissors

1. Fold the strip in half the long way.

2. Knot the strip, manipulating it until the edgeslineup as closely
as possible.

3. Cut off both ends of the strip at an angle, 3" (8 cm) away from
the bottom of the knot.

4. Completed Stealth Plane

It flies best with a paper clip on its nose and the wings curved up
a little.
WHIRLYBIRD
You will certainly be a crowdpleaser when you turn a few
strips of paper into whirlybirds. Joe Hammamoto of Gardena,
California, provided this amazing twirler.

You need:
A strip of paper, 1" x 8½" (3 cm x 21 cm)
1. Fold the strip in half the short way.
2a. Make pinch marks in the middle of both long edges and the
folded bottom edge.
2b. Fold over the bottom left corner, by making a valley fold
beginning at the pinch mark on the bottom folded edge and
ending at the pinch mark on the long left edge.
3. Turn the paper over.
4. Repeat step 2b.
5a. Fold each blade down so that the edge of the paper lies
along the side of the long triangle.

6. Bring the blades up and out.

 7. Completed Whirlybird
Release the Whirlybird from high up.

Variation
In step 1, fold the right bottom corner to the left top corner.
In step 2b, let the creases end about ¼" higher than the
pinch mark halfway up the long edges. This provides greater
stability.
GLOBAL FLYER
This smooth-flying plane seems to be well known in many
countries.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
Scissors
1a. Fold the short top edge to the left long edge, making the
crease through the top left corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2a. Fold the short top edge to the opposite long edge making
the crease through the top right corner.
2b. Unfold the paper flat.
3. You will see the creases form an X on the paper. Make a
mountain fold to the back, right through the middle of the X.

4a. Flip up the back layer.

4b. Push down on the middle of the X. Then grasp both sides of
the paper and bring A and B together in the middle. Flatten
the top of the paper into a triangle. See the next diagram.
5. Fold the outer corners of the triangle to the top corner.

6. Cut off the rectangle of paper below the folded part.

7. Cut the strip in half. Discard one of the strips.

8a. Insert the end of the remaining strip evenly into the plane as
far as possible.
8b. Fold the nose down about halfway to the lower edge.

9. Valley fold the plane in half.

10. Completed Global Flyer
SMOOTHIE
This plane can be launched into a smooth glide with the
stabilizers, or sides, up or down. To change their direction,
simply turn the plane over.

You need:
A piece of paper 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1a. Fold the short top edge to the left long edge, making the
crease through the top left corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2a. Fold the short top edge to the opposite long edge making
the crease through the top right corner.
2b. Unfold the paper flat.
3. You will see the creases form an X on the paper. Make a
mountain fold to the back, right through the middle of the X.

4a. Flip up the back layer.

4b. Push down on the middle of the X. Then grasp both sides of
the paper and bring A and B together in the middle. Flatten
the top of the paper into a triangle. See the next diagram.
5. Fold the outer corners of the triangle to the top corner.

6. Fold the bottom edges of the left and right sides of the
triangles to the middle.

7. Fold the top corner down.

8a. Loosen steps 6 and 7.
8b. Tuck the long triangles, A and B, into the pockets of triangle
C.

9. Turn the paper over.

10. Fold stabilizers by creasing the sides to be perpendicular to

the body of the plane. The width of the stabilizers can be
adjusted as you test-fly your plane.

11. Completed Smoothie

COMET
This is a common variation of the Classic Dart. Use two pieces
of origami or other lightweight paper.

You need:
A paper square with 6" (15 cm) sides
A piece of paper, 6" x 5" (15 cm x 13 cm)

BODY
1a. Fold the paper square in half.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2. Fold the two top corners to the middle crease.

3. Fold the slanted edges to the middle crease.

4. Fold the plane in half.

5. Fold the slanted edges to the folded bottom edge.

6. Completed body.

NOSE
7. Fold the smaller piece of paper in half the short way.

8. Fold the paper in half again and unfold.

9a. Valley fold the top left corner to the middle crease.
9b. Mountain fold the right corner to the back.
10. Fold one layer of the bottom edge up, first on the front, then
on the back.

11a. Tuck the right outside corner into the pocket in the middle.
11b. Turn the paper over and repeat on the back.

12. Completed nose.

ASSEMBLY

13a. Slide the body into the pocket of the nose.

13b. Spread the wings to the outside and slightly up.
 14. Completed Comet
Hold the plane just behind the nose and launch it gently, high
into the air. A small piece of tape just behind the nose helps.
FLYING BILL
You can see your money fly gracefully, like a butterfly.
Although the fun is in converting real money, if it is not available,
you can cut paper in the same approximate proportion as a
dollar bill, which is 3 x 7. You may also be able to find play
money in toy stores and other shops

You need:
A money bill
1. Fold the top right corner to the bottom left corner.

2a. Mountain fold the bill in half to the back.

2b. Unfold it.
3. Fold the left and right sides of the top edge to the middle
crease.

4. Fold the top corner down.

5a. Mountain fold the bill in half to the back.

5b. Release the wings so that they are at a right angle to each
other.
 6. Completed Flying Bill
Launch the plane gently. For improved flight, puff out the
triangles under the wings, either on both sides or on only one
side.
LOOPER
The looper performs on a graceful path from your hand outward
and curving back to you.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½ x 11" (or A4)
Pencil
1a. Fold the paper in half the long way.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2. Fold two corners to the crease.

3. Fold the triangle down.

4a. Mark a dot about I" (2 cm) up from the bottom corner of the
triangle.
4b. Fold the top outside corners to the mark.
5. Fold the triangular tip up.

6. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back.

7. On the front and the back, fold the slanted edges to the
straight bottom edge to form the wings.
8a. Fold the wings out to the sides and tilt them up slightly.
8b. Roll the back ends of the wings under. This controls the
looping action.

9. Completed Looper
FLYING BUG
When you first look at the completed Flying Bug it seems
unlikely that it will fly well. Try and see whether this is true.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 1" (or A4)
Paper dip
1a. Fold the short top edge to the long edge, making the crease
through the top left corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2a. Fold the short top edge to the opposite long edge making
the crease through the top right corner.
2b. Unfold the paper flat.
3a. You will see the creases make an X on the paper. Make a
mountain fold to the back, right through the middle of the X.
3b. Unfold it.

4. Push down on the middle of the X. Then grasp both sides of

the paper and bring A and B together in the middle. Flatten
the top of the paper into a triangle. See the next diagram.
5. Fold the outer corners of the triangle to the top corner.

6. Fold the top corner down through the middle of the two
triangles.

7. Fold the left and right sides of the top edge to the middle.
8. Mountain fold the plane in half.

9a. Fold up the back corner and unfold it.

9b. On the creases you have just made, push the back corner
up in between the main layers of paper. In origami language
this is called a reverse fold.

10. Spread the wings out to the sides.

 11. Completed Flying Bug
Add a paper clip low on the nose.
PRIZE WINNER
The First International Paper Airplane Competition took place in
1967 stirring great interest in paper airplanes, which has
persisted to this day. The plane designed by Dr. James Sakoda
won in the Origami category and he has permitted me to include
the instructions here.

You need:
A square piece of paper
1a . Fold the square from corner to corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.
1c. Fold two adjacent sides to the crease.

2a. Mark the point halfway between the corner and the
horizontal edges with a pinch mark or a pencil.
2b. Fold the narrow corner to the mark.
3. Fold both sides of the top edge to the middle crease.

4. Unfold and tuck the edges in between the creases you have
just made. In origami language this is called a reverse fold.
5. Fold the nose up.

6. Narrow the sides of the nose by folding the left and right
edges to the middle crease.
7. Fold the plane in half.

8a. Fold the wings down in lines continuing the angle defined by
the edges of the nose.
8b . Fold up the back edges of the wings a little. These creases
may need adjustment in flight testing.
8c. Spread the wings out to the sides.
9. Completed Prize Winner
ARMS CROSSED
The creases made in steps 2 and 3 always look to me like arms
crossing, which accounts for the name of this plane.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
Pencil
Ruler
1a. Fold the paper in half the long way.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2a. On the crease make a pencil mark 4" (12 cm on A4) from
the top edge
2b. Fold the top right corner over, beginning the crease at the
middle of the top edge and letting the right edge touch the
pencil mark.
3. Fold the left corner over in the same way.

4. Mountain fold the top corner to the back. Note the crease
goes across the pencil mark.
5. Fold the slanted sides in to the nearest edges of the paper.

6. Fold the plane in half.

7. Fold the wings down and to the outside.

 8. Completed Arms Crossed Plane
Hold it near the nose and thrust it upward.
SATELLITE
For this flier, cast aside any of the general folding techniques
explained so far. With just a few creases you will have a
remarkably fun toy.

You need:
A square of origami or other lightweight paper
1. Fold the square from corner to corner.

2. Fold the bottom edge up.

3. Fold the edge over again.

4. Roll the outside corners toward each other, with the thick
layers inside.

5a. Interlock the two corners as far as you can.

5b. Smooth the thick edge between your thumb and forefinger.

6. Completed Satellite
Hold it at the pointed end with the opening facing up and launch
it gently forward.
FIGHTER PLANE
This plane is folded from letter size paper, but the paper should
be light weight. Cutting thin gift wrap to size gives good results.

You need:
A piece of paper, 8½" x 11" (or A4)
1a. Fold the short top edge to the long edge, making the crease
through the top left corner.
1b. Unfold the paper flat.

2a. Fold the short top edge to the opposite long edge making
the crease through the top right corner.
2b. Unfold the paper flat.
3a. You will see the creases make an X on the paper. Make a
mountain fold to the back, right through the middle of the X.
3b. Unfold it.

4. Push down on the middle of the X. Then grasp both sides of

the paper and bring A and B together in the middle. Flatten
the top of the paper into a triangle See the next diagram.
5. Fold the top left flap over to the right.

6. Fold the left edge to the middle crease.

7. Make a valley fold from the left bottom corner, so that the
middle corner A ends up on the side edge.

8a. Fold the side edge in.

8b. Fold the upper slanted edge in, so that it lies along the fold
made in step 8a.

9a. Fold the right flap over to the left.

9b. Repeat steps 5 to 9a on the right side.
10. Fold the top corner down, making a crease one-third of the
distance from the bottom of the triangle.

11a. Fold the same corner up, making a crease about halfway
up the side triangles.
11b. Mountain fold the plane in half to the back.
12a. Fold up the rudder, as shown.
12b. Unfold it.
12c. Fold the rudder in between the two main layers of paper on
the creases you have just made. In origami language this is
called a reverse fold.

13. On both sides, fold the wings down to the outside and
slightly up.

14. Completed Fighter Plane

Place a piece of tape near the nose.
 Building an Airport

B uilding an airport is a good group project for a family, class,

youth group, or for a party. The airport can be assembled
on the floor or on a table. Designate areas for run-ways,
hangars, buildings, parking lots, a hotel, and whatever else
might be part of an airport area. And, of course, everyone can
fold planes and display them in a lineup.
Use any available materials, like card-board boxes, recycled
papers, and markers. There is no limit to what you can do. You
can keep everything very simple, or as elaborate as you like.For
example, cars in a parking lot can be represented by small
pieces of paper folded in half, or you can construct realistic,
three-dimensional cars with wheels and cut-out windows. It's a
great, creative form of entertainment.
 Decorations

Y ou can color a plane with markers or colored pencils before

or after it is finished. You can also add stickers or cut your
own paper shapes to glue onto the plane, but they may change
the way it flies. For ideas, research the insignia on commercial
and military planes, as well as illustrations in magazines and
other media.
To promote an event, print flat pieces of paper so that your
message appears on the wings when the plane is folded.
 Contests

I t's fun to fly planes with your friends indoors and outside. You
can organize a contest as entertainment at a local event. Here
are some ideas to consider and precautions to bear in mind:

Outside Contests
• Air currents may affect flight results.

Possible rules to set before the contest

• Planes must be made from letter or square paper.
• Tape and paper clips are allowed.
• Cutting is not allowed, except for tabs.
• Everyone can fly any kind of plane.
• Everyone must fold the same type of plane.
• Select a plane from this book and ask contestants to make
some design changes.
• Invent a new plane.
• Play for points.
• Set a time limit.
• Set a target, such as a table or big circle.

Criteria for Winners

• The plane that flew the longest distance.
• The plane that stayed in the air for the longest time.
• The plane that looped the highest.

Other Ideas
• With a large group, arrange teams and eliminating rounds.
• Have plenty of paper, paper clips, and tape available.
 • Give out paper with preprinted fold lines.
• Beforehand appoint a person to be in charge of measuring
flight distances. Provide a measuring tape.
• Give out awards, such as certificates prepared ahead or
small gifts.
• Each competitor begins with a certain number of planes,
for instance 25. Competitors accumulate points for each
plane reaching the goal set for each round, whether it's
distance, height or some other criteria.
• For a special challenge launch a plane and ask
contestants to intercept it with one of their own.

Including a teaching session

• Before the actual contest takes place, you may want to set up
an area where people can learn how to fold planes. For a
successful experience, prepare yourself well:
• Decide clearly on specific planes you would like to teach.
• Make sure you know how to fold them yourself, making
them again and again until you are very familiar with
them and can verbalize each step.
• Prepare an adequate paper supply.
 How to Design Your Own
Paper Airplanes

A fter you have followed the instructions for folding some of

the planes in this book, you may want to design your own.
You will be aided in your quest if you understand what helps or
hinders the flight of paper planes, based on the laws of
aerodynamics.

Aerodynamics
The science of aerodynamics concerns itself with the forces
acting on planes and other objects moving through air. The word
aerodynamics comes from the Greek language: aerios, which
means "concerning the air" and dynamis, which means
"powerful."
Four aerodynamic forces act on paper planes and must all
be considered in order to produce the best flight patterns. These
forces are: gravity, lift, thrust, and drag.

Gravity
The law of gravity governs life on earth, as gravity means that all
bodies are attracted toward the center of the earth. Why, then,
does a heavy plane stay in the air like a bird? Inventors and
engineers learned from studying birds how to form the wings of
a plane, and from that beginning have created increasingly
technically complex crafts that can exceed the speed of sound.

Lift
Lift is the force that overcomes gravity and is provided by the
wing shape. Wings are also sometimes called "airfoils." A
sideways view of a basic aircraft wing shows the straight lower
surface and the curved upper surface. If you were to measure
one against the other, you would find that the top is longer than
the bottom. Air thins as it flows faster over the longer, upper
surface, creating less pressure than that exerted on the
underside. This difference in pressure causes an upward draft
and lifts the plane.

Thrust
Thrust is the power needed to propel a plane. Paper planes
differ from powered aircraft in that they do not have engines to
provide thrust. Instead, the arm of the person launching the
plane provides the power.

Drag
Drag is generated by the air resistance that slows any object
that moves through the air.
A Design Attempt
Let's fold the Classic Dart as the basic beginning for a new
airplane, and then test some possible changes. Make one or
more of the following adjustments, bearing in mind the
aerodynamic forces described before. Consider how each one
can change the flight pattern.

• Before folding step 2, fold the short edge over, which will
add weight to the nose.
 • In step 4, instead of a slanted crease, make a crease
parallel to the bottom edge. Then fold the plane in half.

• Add a paperclip or piece of tape to the front of the plane.

Move it to different positions between test flights to
achieve the best results.
• Fold the outside edges of the wings up or down.
• Pull up the folded edge at the back (reverse fold) for a
rudder.

This will give you an idea of how you can create variations on
other planes. Then you may be able to come up with your own
entirely new model of a paper plane.

Aerobatics
Aerobatics is the word coined by combining aero and acrobatics
into one. It refers to tricks that can be performed with paper
planes. Your plane can be trained to perform loops, rolls, and
other extraordinary feats, in imitation of the U.S. Navy Blue
Angels.

Experiment
If you would like to design an aerobatic plane I suggest
experimenting with the Delta Cruiser and cutting tabs on the
wings.

Loops and Rolls

You will find that a plane can move in three different ways:

• It can veer to left or right in sideways movements. This is

called yaw.
• It can point its nose up or down. This is called pitch.
• It can roll from side to side. This is called roll.

The tabs are the most important elements that influence a plane
to fly straight or perform aerobatics. Tabs can help a plane to
climb or dive. For example, the position of the tabs may prevent
your plane from diving into the ground and instead make it fly
straight ahead.
 Move the tabs up and down at different angles. If you want
your plane to climb higher, move the tabs up. If you want it to
dive more, move them down. To make the plane spin and roll,
bend one tab up and the other one down. Keep changing the
angles of the tabs and compare the results.
Curling the wings between your thumb and forefinger can
affect the height or distance of the flight.
Stunt planes are best launched forcefully, and a hard throw
usually directs a plane into a roll. For a change, hold it by the
nose and send it straight up. Try flying planes in a large indoor
or outdoor space for spectacular results. Outside, let a plane fly
in the same direction as the wind is blowing.
When you have a winner, reproduce the design as your
favorite.

Tethered Plane
You can perform another kind of aerobatics by attaching a piece
of kite string or thread to the wingtip of a plane and spinning it
around by this "tether."
Science Projects
The construction of paper airplanes can form the basis for
successful school reports. Each alteration in design results in
changes in the flight pattern. Observable results appear
immediately.
For a science project, collect the data for changes in flight
patterns, distances covered, time in the air, aerobatics, and
other behavior. Record each change, possibly with a graph.
Also, the educational benefits of origami are now well
recognized as an aid in fulfilling curriculum requirements in
science, math, art, and social sciences.

Authentic Silhouettes
Some paperfolders like to create designs that echo the details of
real airplanes, but not all of them are intended to fly. The
Prizewinner plane, which does fly, resembles an SST with its
swept-back wings. SST stands for Supersonic Transport.

Conclusion
Given all these suggestions, it is easy to imagine that the planes
described in this book can be combined to form an infinite
number of new paper airplanes.
GLOSSARY
Aerobatics: Tricks, such as looping and boomeranging, that
planes can be designed to perform.

Ailerons: Any movable tabs that control sideways motion.

Airfoils: Another name for the plane's wings.

Drag: Air resistance that slows the plane's movement forward.

Elevators: Movable parts, usually near the tail of the plane.

See Tabs.

Fuselage: The body of the plane, to which the wings and other
parts are attached.

Gravity: The force that attracts bodies to the earth, and keeps
our feet on the ground.

Keel: The underside of the plane. It provides stability.

Leading Edge: The front edge of the wings.

Lift: The force that causes the plane to rise.

Nose: The front point of the plane.

Rudder: A vertical part on the tail that turns the plane to the
right or left, depending on its direction.

Slats: The outer tips of the wings bent up, and leaning a little to
the outside.
Stabilizers: They are folded at the back edge of the wing. As
the term implies, stabilizers steady the flight path.

Tabs: Sections at the trailing edge of the wing that can be bent
up or down, usually created with two small cuts. They help a
plane climb or dive. They are also called ailerons.

Tail: The back of the plane.

Thrust: The force that pushes the plane forward.

Trailing Edge: The rear edge of the wings.

Wings: The parts of the plane that provide lift.