Flapping Paper Plane

This flapping paper plane folding method I am learning from a college student over ten years ago.

It happen at a Physics class, a paper plane competition. Tens of paper plane throw out altogether, one of them not fly too far but draw all students and my attention, because the paper plane flapping like a bird in the air!

I catch that student and teach me how to fold it. He say the folding method learn from the internet, but the page not mention it will flap. I have lost that web page but I guess this folding method designed before internet born.

Step 1: Prepare a A4 Paper

Any A4 paper should work, recycling paper preferred. In my experience, 80gsm is a bit too light, 100gsm or above is better.

Step 2: Fold in Half

Step 3: Fold in Half Again

Step 4: Same Fold in Other Side

Step 5: Turn a Right Angle

Step 6: Fold in Diagonal

This is the most difficult step, it can help by drawing a diagonal line with ruler before folding.

Step 7: Flip Horizontal

Step 8: Same Fold in Other Side

Step 9: Fold a Triangle at the Corner

Step 10: Same Fold at the Other Side

Step 11: Flip and Turn a Right Angle

Step 12: Fold in Half

Step 13: Fold 2 Upper Corner

The folding angle for the corner is a little bit arbitrary, but you can see a straight line from the upper and lower triangle after the fold.

Step 14: Fold Lower Triangle Up

Step 15: Flip Horizontal

Step 16: Fold the Triangle Down

Step 17: Fold in Half

Step 18: Fold Out the Wing

The fold out portion is arbitrary, just the size that your fingers that can hold the paper plane body.

Step 19: Flip Horizontal

Step 20: Same Fold in Other Side

Step 21: Done

keep the wings in v-shape

Step 22: Hold the Paper Plane Method

Use 2 fingers hold the paper plane body thickest part, check the wings in v-shape and at the same angle.

Step 23: Play and Enjoy!