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How to Make an Airplane That Can Turn in the Air

Paper airplanes function using the same aerodynamic properties as real airplanes. There are four main forces that work against your airplane: thrust, drag, lift and gravity. Thrust is the force you transfer to the paper plane when you throw it. Drag is the resistance caused by air and air particles against the nose and wings of the plane. Likewise, lift is the flow of air pushing up against the underside of the wings, while gravity is the force pulling the plane down. By understanding and manipulating these forces you can make planes that fly higher, swoop and turn in the air.

Instructions

- 1
  Fold a paper in half vertically. Open the sheet and lay it so that the longer side is vertical, portrait-style.
- 2
  Fold the upper right corner down so that the edge meets the center crease. Fold the upper left corner down to meet the center crease.
- 3
  Crease the folded edges sharply. Use the side of a pencil or pen to press down on the fold.
- 4
  Fold the upper right side of the paper down so that the outer fold meets the center crease. Repeat with the upper left side of the paper.
- 5
  Fold the paper in half vertically. Make the crease sharp. The bottom fold forms the base of the plane; the loose ends form the sides of the wings.
- 6
  Grip the edge of one wing and fold it down so that the edge of the wing is inline with the base of the plane.
- 7
  Flip the plane over. Repeat Step 6 to fold down the other wing.
- 8
  Grip the base of the place and allow the wings to extend to either side.
- 9
  Locate the rudder; it is the squared-off corner of the base of the plane, behind where your hand grips. Bend the rudder of the plane in the direction you want the plant to turn.
- 10
  Throw the plane without angling it towards one side or the other.

Aviation