Instruction

How to build a top-class paper airplane...

... or at least one that doesn’t nosedive after two seconds!

• The plane’s centre of gravity will dictate the direction in which it will fly. Therefore, make sure that this is as far forward as possible by folding the paper over at the nose.
   
• The wings should be thin and flat. The question as to whether an airfoil is necessary or not is one that is still debated among experts; the majority tend towards not having airfoils on the wings. Any bulges or tears in the wings should be avoided. Outside competition conditions you can also use glue to add elements.
   
• By folding the ends of the wings you can influence the direction in which the plane will fly; for an even stronger effect add ailerons (scissors required).
   
• The Y-form is decisive for the airplane’s stability. This term describes the shape of the plane’s wings, which form a Y or a V when viewed from the front. Planes that do not have this form tend to rotate along their longitudinal axis and crash.
   
• In many competitions, the paper to be used is defined as being standard A4 with a weight of 80 g/m2 - the paper used by most offices and photocopiers. While the paper should certainly not be lighter than 80 g/m2, some experts prefer heavier paper for extreme flights: world record holder, Ken Blackburn, considers 96 g/m2 the perfect weight for long flights.
   
• It is strongly recommended that plane builders consult and observe strictly the numerous, high-quality guides available on the Internet on how to build a paper plane. When we say observe strictly, then we really mean strictly!