What is it about a paper model airplane that fascinate us? Is it our love of flying?
As kids we first started folding some of our school paper into a paper model airplane and then sending it on a flight down the hall. Next, we made more paper model airplanes to torment our teachers in class. Later we had contests to see who could fly their paper airplane the highest, farthest or straightest. Here is an example of the kind of folded airplane models we used to make:
Then, some creative soul decided that you could create paper airplanes like the one on the left with control surfaces one could change in order to make the paper airplane model do aerobatic maneuvers like loop rolls and more. Then, our designer came up with paper airplane models that really look like airplanes. Just click the image below to see them all:
Or purchase this J3 paper model here:
In fact, once you have constructed one and placed it on a shelf or desk no one would ever know it was made out of paper - that's how real they look. See one of them for yourself at Paper Airplane Models today!
But the entertainment value of these simple paper model airplanes did not last long. So, how do we keep our interest up in paper airplanes? Should they be designed for children (Parents, see below), or for more serious modelers? What kind of airplanes would be safe for kids, yet challenging for older modelers? Well, to find out we would like you to try one of our
Free!
"Cosmo Commander" paper airplane models for yourself; simply click on the link below:
This is a printable kid activity with clear instructions;
Wonderful science project for kids;
We recommend Elmer's White Glue, not that modeling glue that kids like to sniff;
Use a good pair of scissors to cut out the paper airplane parts, or better yet use an Exacto style knife;
If you purchase the download PDF version of the paper airplane models you can reprint them as often as you like. So, if a mistake is made - no problem! - simply reprint the model and cut out the parts you need;
The airfoils need to be shaped thereby teaching children the real aerodynamic structure of airplane airfoils. You will need a pencil of round piece of wood to create the curves;
These airplane models can be flown! Simply experiment by placing a penny in or on the model near the center of gravity and launch it!;
Or, put a small pinhole in one of the wingtips, attach a fairly long string to it, attach the other end to a stick, and fly it around yourself in a circle;
Best of all, asembling one of our paper airplane models will teach patience, perseverance, develop fine motor skills and provide hours of entertainment!
Where did paper airplanes come from?
Paper models have been around since the first paper was made, and have continued ever since. Today when we think of paper airplanes we think of the ones we folded out of an 8.5X11” sheet of paper. These paper airplanes come in all forms – circles, darts, squares and many more. Our Paper Airplane Links page will take you to a huge selection of web sites which feature these kinds of paper airplanes.
However, paper airplanes can be so much more! For many years modelers in Eastern Europe and behind the Iron Curtain could not get plastic models – and if they were available they were far too expensive. So, modelers – not to be denied – began making airplanes out of paper.
Today, with the advent of high quality ink jet printers, and the availability of heavier paper selections, paper airplane models – in fact all kinds of paper models – have become available as downloads from the internet. Our paper airplane models are incredibly detailed, quite strong and relatively simple to construct. Because they are downloaded as pdf files, they can be recreated as often as you like.
If you are not convinced that these paper airplanes are fun and high quality, simply click on the link below and download our “Cosmo Commander” rocket and see for yourself. It should take you a few hours to put together, and if you make a mistake – not to worry, you can reprint the parts as often as you want.
Cosmo Commander Rocket
Where did this love of flying and paper airplanes come from?
It may have started with the Wright Brothers, but the Piper J-3 Cub really got the general public excited about aviation and airplanes. When William T. Piper introduced the Piper Cub in 1938 he opened the world of flying to the ordinary person. The world of aviation is fascinating - and this site will help you find everything you wanted to know about paper airplanes and aviation. Paper airplanes simply represent the inherent desire in each of us to explore the world around us, and the first thing that comes to mind is airplanes.
Whenever a child, or an adult for that matter, hears an aircraft flying overhead they crane their necks to see it. Passing airports kids get excited about the big airplanes, and wonder where they might be going. Paper airplanes are simply a way of experiencing flight and imagining a trip to far away places.
Now, let me tell you a little about The Paper Airplane Company. This web site started quite by accident. A friend of mine, John Wickham, is an illustrator who attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI and has worked on creating logos, billboard ads and anything else to do with art. His love of aviation and airplanes started at a young age when he began assembling paper airplanes from Wheaties cereal boxes. These paper airplanes were called “Wheaties Wings”, and are available online even today! Check out our Links page to purchase the "Wheaties Wings" paper airplane models of yesteryear.
But, let us get back to our paper airplanes. Some time back I commissioned John to design some billboards for an advertising campaign I was running, and in return he presented me with a gift - a paper airplane! Not just any ordinary paper airplane, but a paper airplane model of the famous Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny". It was incredible! The detail and strength of this paper airplane model surprised me. If you were to see it on a shelf or desk you would not believe it was paper - see a picture of one yourself by clicking on the Download link and then clicking on the JN-4 model thumbnail. It is quite an impressive looking paper airplane, I assure you!
Now, I know some of you will be skeptical, but believe me when I tell you that paper airplane models have been popular for many, many years in Eastern Europe and the old Soviet Union. When these paper airplanes are printed on heavier paper (we recommend HP or Epson 42-44# Matte), cut out with an Exacto knife or scissors and glued with Elmer’s White Glue (not the kind kids sniff), the resulting paper model airplane will amaze you!
As kids we first started folding some of our school paper into a paper model airplane and then sending it on a flight down the hall. Next, we made more paper model airplanes to torment our teachers in class. Later we had contests to see who could fly their paper airplane the highest, farthest or straightest. Here is an example of the kind of folded airplane models we used to make:
Then, some creative soul decided that you could create paper airplanes like the one on the left with control surfaces one could change in order to make the paper airplane model do aerobatic maneuvers like loop rolls and more. Then, our designer came up with paper airplane models that really look like airplanes. Just click the image below to see them all:
