Make Your Own Paper Helicopter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you looking for a fun and creative activity to do? Do you want to relieve stress and challenge your Fine Motor Skills? Look no further! Making a paper helicopter is a simple and ingenious project that can be tailored to all ages and levels of expertise. In this article, we will answer the question How to make a paper helicopter?" and provide a straightforward, step-by-step tutorial to help you create one.
What You Will Need:
Before getting started, make sure to gather the following materials:
- One square piece of paper (preferably an eighth of an inch thick cardstock or heavier)
- Size: Use a square with a paper size of 8 X 8 inches (205 mm X 205mm) or larger
- A pencil or Sharpie
- Green glue (optional)
*A flat surface to work and a ruler or straight-edged object
Stages of Construction: A Step-by-Step guide
Contents
Stage 1: Cutting the Paper Disk
- Take your flat piece of paper and rotate it so that one axis is parallel to the plane of the table.
- Cut a slight curve in the rectangular paper, creating a spiral shape. The curve may not be perfect, however, it should be subtle and not too sharp.*
- Cut the paper away from the curved edge leaving a small tab (nearly 1 inch)
Stage 2: Folding the Tab
Tab Folding | |
---|---|
Name: Tab Fold | In the center of the newly cut edge, create multiple small folds. These marks will help you create another layer of stability for air penetration. |
Repetition: 3-time fold | Each fold roughly 1/8” apart |
Stage 3: Cutting the Axial Ribs
- Measure and then cut a series (usually 4-10) of small, flat edges (about 1"-2" long) which will serve as the framework for the helicopter’s stabilizers.
- Alternate between cutting two edges above the tab and two folds below the tab.
Keep in mind that the paper is still attached to, the tab fold, by a small strip of width approximately 1/128 inches.
- Alternate between cutting two edges above the tab and two folds below the tab.
Stage 4: Cutting the Thrust Blades
Measure and then chop two identical edges extending from the bottom of another part of the paper where you cut it in advance stages1 The longer tab for blades (usually 2–3 inches) is important, as this will maintain balance and generate lift more powerful * (a).
Stage 5 Creating the Tail Section
By using the green glue (), attach the cut flat edge to the back piece of the paper.
Note: If is not working well, try using Scotch tape or even a bandage to keep the glue together.
Stage Six: Final Assembly
Finally, attach the thrust of the blades and the fixed ribs to the tab along the edge.
After finishing the last step should look like a small three-blade helicopter with rigid, flat stabilizers located near the base.
<Tips and Variations!>
- For better spin and stability, you add additional folds on the fold flap under flap or add an extra line for the top of its edges.
- You find a way to attach each end of the thrust part (the blade) which may be used for adjusting or changing the angle
How to Make Helicopter Fly?
- Wind your paper up in a flat area near the floor, or simply on a flat surface:
- Gently take your paper and let slip slowly, or use less speed to lift the lift.