How to Fold an Ace Flyer

Anyone can make a paper airplane that nosedives off the tip of this or her fingers. But his one will fly circles around the competition.

Steps

1. 1
   Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Line the edges up carefully. Drag your fingernail along the crease to sharpen it.
   
   
2. 2
   Rotate the paper so the fold is closest to you. Fold the upper left-hand corner down to the folded edge to form a small triangle. Sharpen the crease with your fingernail.
   
   
3. 3
   Turn over the paper so the triangle is underneath it, on your right.
   
   
4. 4
   Fold the upper right-hand corner of the top layer of paper down to form a second triangle on top of the first. Sharpen the crease with your fingernail.
   
   
5. 5
   Do you see the 'pint' where the triangle fold begins at the top? Take it, and fold it down on a diagonal slot hat point meets the bottom edge. Sharpen the crease with your fingernail.
   
   
6. 6
   Fold the top layer down again on a diagonal so the top edge lines up with the bottom edge. Your top layer should now be doubled, shaped like a long, skinny triangle. Sharpen your creases.
   
   
7. 7
   Turn the paper over. Repeat the last two steps (5 and 6), this time folding the diagonal down and tot he right. You know what comes next...sharpen all your creases!
   
   
8. 8
   You have completed your basic plane shape. Grasp the plane underneath and let its wings flare out. They should be neat and flat.
   
   
9. 9
   Next, make a rudder. Slide your fingers back from the plane's 'nose' about 10 cm (4 in.). Tear two rips in the bottom of the plane, each about 1.25 cm (1/2 in.) long. They should be about 1.25 (1/2 in.) apart. Fold the rudder up. It will help your plane fly straight.
   
   
10. 10
    To launch your plane, hold it near the rudder. Use a gentle overhand toss to send it soaring. You're a flying ace!
    
    

Tips

• Be accurate and careful for best results.
• Sharp creases and neat folds will make your plane a flying ace.

Things You'll Need

• letter-size (8 1/2 x 11 in.) sheet of paper