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This article was co-authored by Anna Knight and by wikiHow staff writer, Elaine Heredia, BA. Anna Knight is a crafting expert and content creator based in Scotland, UK. As the founder of the creative blog, Earth and Sky Play, Anna’s crafting journey began while homeschooling her children, where she discovered how creative play could make learning more engaging, accessible, and joyful. She shares upcycled crafts, nature-inspired designs, recycled art, and simple DIY projects. She offers a variety of templates and printable designs on her Etsy shop, in addition to sharing gift guides, organic and upcycled product recommendations, and more. In 2020, she launched her social media marketing company Ark Socials and has since supported many small business owners and creators in excelling on social platforms, growing engagement, and securing deals.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
A paper airplane thrown with your hand doesn't usually cover much distance (unless you're throwing it outside and it's a breezy day). That's because your wrist (and even your arm) can't put enough force behind it to make it travel far. But if you launch it using a homemade paper airplane launcher with a rubber band, your airplane will reach great heights! Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple paper airplane launcher, plus how to load and launch your airplane.
DIY Paper Airplane Launcher: Quick Tutorial
Crafting expert Anna Knight says it’s easy to make a paper airplane launcher out of household materials like sticks, cardboard tubes, and rubber bands. To make a simple launcher out of paper, follow these steps:
- Fold a square piece of cardstock in half.
- Fold the edges of the paper up toward the crease.
- Staple a rubber band to one end of the center fold.
- Stretch the rubber band over the opposite end of the launcher.
- Slide the bottom of the paper airplane into the center fold.
- Pull the smaller folds on either side of the launcher apart.
Steps
How to Craft a Paper Airplane Launcher
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Fold a square piece of cardstock that’s as long as your airplane in half. Choose a piece of cardstock that is at least as long (or up to 0.5 in (1.3 cm) longer) as you made your paper airplane. For example, if you folded a paper airplane from a piece of 8.5 in (22 cm) by 11 in (28 cm) computer paper, the sides of the paper you use to make the launcher should be at least 11 in (28 cm) long.[1]- Cardstock is the ideal choice for your paper airplane launcher because it's thick and sturdy. But if all you have is computer paper or craft paper, those options will work, too!
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Fold the edge of each half of the paper up toward the crease. With the paper still folded in half, lift the edge of one half of the paper and fold it up so it lines up with the crease. Repeat the same step for the other half of the paper.[2]Advertisement -
Staple a rubber band to the inside of the center fold at one end. Using a stapler, attach one end of a thin rubber band to one end of the folded piece of paper. Secure it inside the center fold. You're now ready to load and use your paper airplane launcher![3]
How to Load & Use the Paper Airplane Launcher
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Fold the launcher closed and pull the rubber band over the other end. Draw the rubber band up and over the smaller folds to secure it around the launcher. This will make the launcher look pinched on the opposite end.[4] -
Slide the bottom of the paper airplane into the launcher's center fold. Ensure the airplane's tail butts up against the end of the launcher that you pinched with the rubber band.[5] -
Grab the smaller folds on each side of the launcher and pull them apart. Doing this step will release the rubber band, which will propel the paper airplane out of the launcher and into the air!- Tip: For more precise take-offs and farther flights, consider getting a paper airplane launcher kit!
Making a Paper Airplane Launcher Out of a Stick or Cardboard
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1Wrap a rubber band around a stick or cardboard tube. “You can make a simple paper airplane launcher using materials you already have at home,” explains Knight. She says to simply grab a wooden stick or a reused cardboard tube and loop a rubber band around it.[6]
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2Cut a slit in the plane, attach the rubber band, and release to make it fly. “Cut a small slit in the front of your plane,” instructs Knight. Then, “hook the band onto the slit at the front of the airplane.” Simply “pull back gently and release” the plane to make it fly. Knight says this is “an easy, eco-friendly way to give your paper airplanes a proper lift off!”[7]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
Things You'll Need
- 1 square piece of cardstock
- 1 thin rubber band
- A stapler
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/RNx0Mshwsow?si=l9B28acokDCz0KKV&t=121
- ↑ https://youtu.be/RNx0Mshwsow?si=x0G9_uEdfTocc5Ln&t=132
- ↑ https://youtu.be/RNx0Mshwsow?si=C08oOeoJTfOPyRBV&t=150
- ↑ https://youtu.be/RNx0Mshwsow?si=RvF4l-_iH44j-amg&t=163
- ↑ https://youtu.be/RNx0Mshwsow?si=ktbIDIi6f0fXqjE8&t=176
- ↑ Anna Knight. Crafting Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ Anna Knight. Crafting Expert. Expert Interview
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