Paper Planes

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. In my upcoming release, An Amish Christmas Match, my heroine Phoebe teaches a shy young boy under her care how to make paper airplanes, really good ones that will fly amazing distances. She uses it as an icebreaker, a way for him to interact with other young people.

I remember making paper airplanes as a kid (I won’t say how many years ago!). They were nothing special and I never could reach any great distances with them – a couple of yards at the most. So it was fun to do a little research into the history and some of the statistics around this fun pastime. Here is a little of what I learned.

Paper airplanes have a surprisingly long and rich history! The principles of flight have been studied for thousands of years.  15th century painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with creating early prototypes of flying machines using parchment. While these were not paper planes as we know them today, his explorations into aerodynamics laid the groundwork for future innovations.

But it really wasn’t until the late 18th and early 19th centuries that aviation really started to take shape. Sir George Cayley, considered the father of aerodynamics, first explored the dynamics of paper flight in the early 1800s. He examined how air flows over the wings and designed the first successful glider.

Over the next decades, other aviation pioneers used paper models extensively in their research and designs. By folding paper, they were able to quickly test airfoils and prototype aircraft on the cheap. In 1909, the  Wright Flyer constructed of paperboard and wood was flown victoriously by Orville Wright himself!

The modern fascination with paper planes really took off in the 20th century. During World War II, engineers and designers used paper planes as prototypes to test their aerodynamic theories. This practice was not only cost-effective but also allowed for rapid experimentation and iteration. Many of the principles discovered through these tests were applied to the development of real aircraft, highlighting the practical value of these seemingly simple toys.

In the post-war era, paper planes became a popular pastime for children and adults alike. The simplicity of materials required—just a piece of paper and some folding techniques—made them an accessible form of entertainment. Schools began incorporating paper plane activities into their curriculum as a way to teach basic principles of physics and aerodynamics.

The 1960s and 70s saw a surge in the popularity of paper planes, with numerous books and guides published on the topic. Enthusiasts shared their designs and techniques, leading to the creation of more sophisticated and high-performing paper planes. This period also marked the beginning of competitive paper plane flying, with individuals and groups organizing events to see whose plane could fly the farthest or stay aloft the longest.

The digital age has further fueled the interest in paper planes. Online communities and forums have sprung up, where enthusiasts share videos, tutorials, and new designs. The advent of smartphone apps and computer simulations has allowed for more precise modeling and optimization of paper plane designs, pushing the boundaries of what these paper creations can achieve.

Fun Facts About Paper Planes

  • The current world record for the longest paper airplane flight is held by Joe Ayoob, who flew a plane designed by John Collins a staggering 226 feet, 10 inches in 2012.
    And The world record for the longest airtime for a paper airplane is held by Takuo Toda of Japan whose plane stayed aloft for 29.2 seconds, nearly half a minute!
  • The average distance a simple paper plane can fly is about 20 feet. However, with proper technique and design, some planes can exceed 100 feet.
  • There are countless designs for paper planes, ranging from the classic dart to more complex models like the Nakamura Lock and the Bulldog Dart. Each design has unique flight characteristics and challenges.
  • Paper airplanes are still used today by aerospace engineers when brainstorming and designing. NASA has held paper airplane competitions for decades to encourage kids’ interest in aerospace.
  • Paper planes are often used in educational settings to teach principles of aerodynamics and physics. They provide a hands-on way to understand lift, drag, and other forces that affect flight.
  • There are international competitions dedicated to paper planes. Red Bull’s Paper Wings is one of the most well-known, where participants compete in categories like longest distance, longest airtime, and aerobatics.
  • The art of paper folding, origami, has heavily influenced the designs of paper planes. Some of the most intricate paper planes require advanced origami techniques, making them both challenging and rewarding to create.
  • Paper planes are an eco-friendly activity, often made from recycled paper or scrap paper that would otherwise be thrown away. This makes them a sustainable form of entertainment and education.
  • According to a 2019 survey, 85% of people have made and flown a paper plane at least once in their lives.

Here are some links you can check out if you’re interested in learning new paper airplane folding techniques:

  • The Paper Airplane Guy (http://www.paperairplaneguy.com) – This site has step-by-step instructions and videos for making advanced paper airplanes, including record-breaking designs.
  • Fold ‘N Fly (http://www.foldnfly.com)- This site has diagrams and instructions for over 35 different paper airplane designs for all levels.
  • Red Bull Paper Wings (http://www.redbullpaperwings.com) – Red Bull hosts paper airplane competitions globally and shares design tips on their website. Beginner to complex models.
  • The Paper Airplane Factory (http://www.paperairplanefactory.com) – Features a database of over 700 different paper airplane designs to try! Instructions included.

With some practice and experimentation, anyone can learn how to make paper airplanes that will glide for amazing distances! Give one of these resources a try if you feel inspired to improve your own paper piloting skills.

So what are your own experiences with paper planes? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for one of my books.

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Winnie Griggs is the author of Historical (and occasionally Contemporary) romances that focus on Small Towns, Big Hearts, Amazing Grace. She is also a list maker, a lover of dragonflies and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.
Three of Winnie’s books have been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, and one of those nominations resulted in a win.
Winnie loves to hear from readers. You can connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

48 thoughts on “Paper Planes”

  2. Many many years ago I was a home daycare provider. With many kids, one of our crafts was was making and decorating paper air planes. Then we took them outside and the kids would race them to see who’s would go the farthest. Kids had a blast.

  5. 3rd graders love making paper airplanes. As a teacher, when I taught about the Wright Brothers flying the first airplane in North Carolina (my state), my students made paper airplanes and we had a contest with them. We also counted to see whose plane could glide for 12 seconds like the Wright Brothers. Fun for everyone!

  6. I had limited experience with paper airplanes. I could fold a very simple one. My younger brother and his two playmates were the airplane makers. I was always reading. ?

  9. How interesting Winnie! And all about paper airplanes! As you know, in the 60’s and 70’s, we had to entertain ourselves with something simple. Paper airplanes, paper footballs, paper dolls, and what about those poppers? Where you picked a color and opened it up and it had a saying?

    Thanks for the walk down memory lane Winnie! Best wishes on your book!

  10. I made them with my brother and sister. Can;t say they flew very far maybe my brothers, but it was still fun making them and flying them.

  12. I made several paper planes when I was young, but none of them ever went very far. My children enjoyed making and trying to fly them.

  14. My Dad was a USAF fighter pilot, so growing up I was fascinated with airplanes. I made a lot of paper airplanes and my Dad would explain aerodynamics, etc. to me. Consequently my airplanes did well and, much to the annoyance of the boys, would often win our little contests. LOL

  15. I love paper airplanes. I encouraged them for experiments in my classroom and just recently my grandson with my help flew three types for his class project. They are so much fun

  16. I used to make paper air planes when I was younger! I didn’t get them to fly very far, but they did work sometimes! lol!! I know a guy at church who “accidentally” flew one during a service from the balcony!

  17. I always enjoyed making paper planes. I made a lot when my son was young. I have made one when I am bored and have a piece of paper laying around just to have something to do with my hands.

  18. I could never make a good one. My Uncle loved airplanes and could make some pretty awesome paper planes.

  20. I recall getting hit by boys in class who would throw paper planes when the teacher had her back turned to us as she wrote on the blackboard. Then the class laughed.

  23. I’ve did my share of paper airplanes when I was younger and many more as a mom with our children. When I was a children’s librarian , we did rocket ships and paper airplanes as activities during one summer’s reading program. I’ve done a few with our grandchildren too. It has been a while since I’ve tried to make any. I’ll have to check out the resources you posted to see what all these new designs are. Thanks for an interesting post.

  24. I made the simple paper planes when I was little but I don’t remember how to make them now. My brother would make several different kinds to see which one would go the farthest and which was the fastest.

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