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How to Build a Bensen Gyrocopter

The Bensen gyrocopter is a full-sized model kit. It enables flight enthusiasts to lift off the ground using air currents in a manner similar to, but not the same as, that of a helicopter. You can build your own paper-based gyrocopter that will emulate the principle that powers the Bensen model.

Things You'll Need

Construction paper, 8 by 10 inches
Ruler
Pencil
Pinking shears
Metal paperclip, 1/2 inch wide

Instructions

- 1
  Place the sheet of construction paper horizontally on the table. Draw a rectangle on the paper, using a ruler and pencil, which measures 8 inches long by 2 inches wide.
- 2
  Cut the outline from the paper, using pinking shears, so that the cut edges are ragged.
- 3
  Place the rectangle horizontally on the table. Fold the left end over to the right end. Smooth the crease down with your fingers. Unfold the paper.
- 4
  Measure up the length of the right end of the rectangle with the ruler. Make a dot on the edge of the paper at the halfway mark with the pencil. Repeat this procedure on the other end of the rectangle.
- 5
  Cut across the rectangle, starting at the dot made on the right end, until you reach the crease.
- 6
  Hold the paper so that the cut end is facing up. Fold the flap at the left of the end toward you until it forms a 90-degree angle. Fold the flap at the right of the end away from you until it forms a 90-degree angle.
- 7
  Clip a paperclip to the other end of your gyrocopter paper model. Move the paperclip so that it is positioned over the dot.
- 8
  Drop your gyrocopter from a height, for example, off a balcony to the ground, with the end that has the paperclip facing down. Your gyrocopter will descend to the ground slowly while spinning in the manner that a gyrocopter uses to displace air.

Aviation