Introduction: How to Make a Paper Helicopter

Who doesn’t like to see things fly? Surely we had fun as children making paper airplanes and watching them fly across the classroom.  The only thing better than a paper airplane may be a paper HELICOPTER.  You will see how you can transform a piece of paper into a spinning wonder in just a few simple steps. Chances are you have everything you need right at home which is a big positive for this particular paper helicopter.  The simplicity of design and consistency of flight will make this your go-to paper aircraft!

Materials: Paper, paperclip
Tools: Scissors, ruler, pencil

Step 1: Step 1

Using the ruler, mark with a pencil the outline of a 4cm x 15cm rectangle.

Step 2: Step 2

Cut out the outlined rectangle and discard remaining paper.

Step 3: Step 3

Crease the rectangle down the center of the paper on the 15cm length side (see photo). Unfold to flatten paper, you should be able to see the crease that you made.

Step 4: Step 4

Fold the rectangle down the center of the paper on the 4cm side (see photo). Then unfold the paper, you should be able to see the crease. 

Step 5: Step 5

Cutting on one side of the 15cm crease, make an incision almost the center crease. (stop cutting at 1cm before the crease that was made on the 4cm side)

Step 6: Step 6

Make a 1cm incision on each side along the 4cm crease.

Step 7: Step 7

Using the incisions made in step 6, fold flaps so that they meet in the middle

Step 8: Step 8

Using the pieces you just folded, fold the two flaps together so the faces are touching (see photo)

Step 9: Step 9

Making a T, fold the cuts you made in step 5 in opposite directions. This will be the top of the T. 

Step 10: Step 10

Place a paper clip on the bottom of the T (see photo). 

Step 11: Step 11

Drop helicopter from any height and watch fly!