How to Make a Paper Airplane That Flies Like a Helicopter

Ever wish you could make a paper airplane that spins like a helicopter? It's easier than you think! A real helicopter's vertical flight is tough to copy with paper, but we can make one that looks like it's spinning down just like a helicopter.

Building Your Spinning Paper Airplane

Understanding the Basics

Helicopters use spinning blades to fly. The blades' angle and spin push them up, fighting gravity. Our paper airplanes will try to do the same – sort of. We won't get true hovering, but a cool spinning descent, for sure!

Design 1: The Easy Spinner

This one's perfect for beginners. We'll use a normal-sized piece of paper.

1. Grab a rectangular piece of paper. Letter size works great.
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, then unfold. This makes a center crease.
3. Fold the top two corners to meet at the crease.
4. Fold the top edges down to the crease, making a smaller rectangle.
5. Fold the whole thing in half along the center crease.
6. Fold the top flaps (wings) up a bit. This helps it stay steady.
7. Important: Cut two small slits near the bottom (opposite the wings). These slits will help it spin.
8. Throw it with a flick of your wrist. The slits will make it spin as it goes down.

Experiment! Change the size and place of the slits. Try different paper – thicker or thinner.

Design 2: The Advanced Helicopter

This one's trickier, but it spins more and flies longer. Think more rotor action!

1. Start with a square piece of paper.
2. Fold it in half diagonally, then unfold.
3. Fold the top corners to the center, then unfold.
4. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center crease.
5. Fold the whole thing in half.
6. Fold the wings down, curving the tips up slightly.
7. Near the bottom, on one side, make two small slits that meet halfway.
8. Fold a small flap (about 1cm) up near the bottom center on the side with the slits. This helps stabilize it.
9. Extend the bottom edge by pulling the folded end down. This makes a small tail.
10. Throw it hard, upwards. It should spin as it comes down.

This one needs more practice. The wing angle and slit size are really important. Don't give up if it takes a few tries!

Tips for Better Paper Airplanes

Here's how to make the best paper airplanes:

• Use new paper: Wrinkled paper doesn't fly well.
• Make sharp creases: Sharp folds make it stronger.
• Try different paper: Thicker paper is steadier; thinner paper is more agile.
• Adjust the wing angles: The wing angle changes how it flies. Experiment!
• Practice throwing: Throw it the same way each time for better results.

More Advanced Designs

There are tons of cool paper airplane designs online and in books. Learning more will help you make even better spinning helicopters!

Troubleshooting

If your airplane isn't spinning right:

• Check the slits: Are they cut correctly?
• Adjust the wings: The angle is key.
• Practice your throw: How you throw it matters a lot.
• Try different paper.

The Bottom Line

Making a truly helicopter-like paper airplane is tough, but fun! Experiment, and you'll make one that spins amazingly. Remember – every failed attempt gets you closer to success!

Happy flying!