How to Make a Paper Airplane in 10 Quick Steps!

Paper Airplanes can be a great way to waste some time, or even procrastinate from doing productive things. There are countless ways to design paper airplanes, and this Instructable gives a break down on how to make one of the most simple, yet effective paper airplanes in just minutes!

It is critical to build your paper airplane symmetrically to increase efficiency while flying . Along with this, it is also imperative to make flawless creases, to ensure your airplane is one of the best!

Step 1: First, Fold a Regular 8 1/2" X 11" Piece of Paper in Half "hotdog Style".

It is a good idea to fold the paper one way, re-open it, and fold it the opposite way to make sure the paper has a good, solid crease down the middle.

Step 2: Next, Fold the Cockpit of the Plane As Shown Below.

Take the top right and left corners, and fold them down to the middle. In order to make an effective crease, go over the fold several times applying a good amount of pressure.

Step 3: After the Cockpit Has Been Formed, Pull the Point of the Cockpit Down to the Bottom of the Paper, Leaving a Gap of About 1.5 Centimeters at the End of the Paper.

There should be a gap, about the width of your pinky, between your point of the cockpit and the bottom of the paper.

Step 4: Next, Flip the Paper Over and Fold Down the Top of the Paper About .75 Centimeters Across the Width of the Paper.

This fold should be about half the width of your pinky, and the fold should be consistent across the full width of the paper.

Step 5: Next, Flip the Paper Back Over to the Front, and Create More Cockpit Folds (similar to Step 2) As Shown Below.

This time while folding the cockpit, make sure there is a little triangle exposed at the base of your cockpit (as shown above)

Step 6: Next, Take the Small Exposed Triangle, and Fold It Over the Base of Your Cockpit As Shown Below.

This small triangle acts as a reinforcement to the airplane's folds allowing for the plane to be more durable during flight.

Step 7: Next, With the Last Fold Facing You, Fold the Airplane Away From You Creating Something That Looks Similar to the Picture Below.

Go over all the folds until the airplane can hold this shape on its own.

Step 8: Next, Fold Down One of the Wings a Few Inches Past the Body of the Plane, Making a Fold That Is Straight All the Way Across.

Repeat this process with the opposite wing of the plane. The distance you exceed the body is really up to you, but you will want to make sure the wings are folded symmetrically.

Step 9: Once Again, Go Over All Your Previous Folds Until Your Plane Can Hold a Shape Consistent With the Photo Below.

The key to creating a quality paper airplane is ensuring each and every fold is crisp. Crisp folds help the paper airplane keep its shape, and fly more effectively.

Step 10: Finally, Take Each Tip of the Wing and Fold It Back Up About an Inch to Create Flaps.

These flaps should be folded the opposite direction as the last fold creating a 90 degree angle with the wing. After folded, your final product should look like the image above.