Paper Airplanes!
Paper airplanes are more than just a classroom distraction; they are simplified gliders that rely on the same fundamental aerodynamic principles as commercial jets
The Science of Flight
Every paper airplane is governed by four primary physical forces:
- Thrust: The initial forward energy provided by the "pilot's" arm.
- Lift: Created as air moves over and under the wings, pushing the plane upward.
- Drag: Air resistance that pushes back against the plane, slowing it down.
- Gravity (Weight): The force pulling the plane toward the earth.
Global Milestones & Records
Paper flight has reached extreme heights and distances through engineering and community challenges:
- Distance Record: On December 28, 2025, Liu Liwen in China achieved a world-record throw of 98.43 meters (approx. 323 feet), surpassing the previous 2022 record of 88.3 meters.
- Time Aloft: The record for the longest duration in flight is 29.2 seconds, set by Takuo Toda in Japan in 2010.
- High Altitude: A student science club in the UK holds the record for the highest launch, releasing a paper plane from a weather balloon at an altitude of 35,043 meters (over 21 miles).
- Largest Plane: Students in Germany built a paper aircraft with a wingspan of nearly 60 feet (18.21 meters) that successfully flew 18 meters.
Notable Designs & Pioneers
- The "Suzanne": Designed by John Collins (known as "The Paper Airplane Guy"), this glider famously held the distance record for a decade after being thrown by Joe Ayoob in 2012.
- White Wings: A series of high-performance paper gliders developed by Dr. Yasuaki Ninomiya starting in the 1960s, often using balsa wood and heavy cartridge paper for superior stability.
- Historical Use: Aviation pioneers like Jack Northrop and the Wright Brothers reportedly used paper models to test aerodynamic theories before building full-scale aircraft.
Community & Education
The hobby is celebrated annually on National Paper Airplane Day (May 26). For enthusiasts looking to improve their skills, the Fold 'N Fly database offers instructions for dozens of models ranging from "Basic Darts" to expert-level acrobatic flyers.