Why does a plane fly?

Discuss

• Why does a plane fly?
• Why does a paper plane fly?
• What makes a good plane?
• What makes a good paper plane?

The value of a paper plane

A paper plane can model a real plane, with limited resources and with relative ease. Paper has a weight to strength ratio similar to aluminium which real planes are made of.

During the Great Depression, designers used paper models to help design planes that were later used very effectively by the Nazis in World War Two.

Initial designs

Try to fold a paper plane and throw it. See who’s can fly well. Think about why certain designs might fly better.

The classic design

A different design

John Collins designed the current world record plane for distance.

(Optional) Watch the world record throw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXqwUxkNXVE

Folding the record plane(starts itself at 2:50, watch as much as you want) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BNg4fDJC8A&t=170

Extension: more designs

Check out https://www.foldnfly.com, the instructions are not perfect but there are quite a few planes.

The loop plane is pretty good https://www.foldnfly.com/46.html#Loop-Plane