Glide Like a Pro With the Suzanne Airplane

Learn how to make a cool, gliding paper airplane. It's a fun mix of aerodynamics and art, using paper, and basic craft supplies.

Suzanne Paper Airplane – Important Features

Designer: John Collins (also called "The Paper Airplane Guy").

Type: Glider-style paper airplane.

Material: Constructed with ordinary A4 or 8.5" x 11" paper (70 to 90 GSM).

Flight Style: Made for long-range gliding with minimal loss of altitude.

Folding: Extremely accurate folding required — symmetry is the key to stability and lift.

Greatest Accomplishments

World Record Holder: Longest paper airplane flight on record.

Record Distance: 226 feet 10 inches (69.14 meters).

Date of Record: February 26, 2012.

Unique Innovations

First glider-type airplane to set the distance record.

Utilized aerodynamic tricks — such as speed adjustment during glide — to travel farther.

First to break record following run-up distance (prior to throw) decreased to 10 feet.

Successful due to teamwork between a skilled designer and a strong thrower.

Materials Needed

1. A4 paper or chart paper
2. ️ Glue or double-sided tape (optional)

Fold the paper as shown on the pictures. a square should form in the center of the fold as shown in the 3rd image

And again, fold the paper as shown in the pictures, so it starts taking shape of a plane.

flip the plane over and start folding again from the middle of the plane upside down

crease it once more to have a functioning plane

Flight Tips for Better Gliding

1. Balance is Everything

1. Make sure the Center of Gravity (CG) is about 1/3rd from the front of the wings.
2. If it dives down: too much front weight → move weight back.
3. If it stalls (rises then falls): too much back weight → add a little weight in front (paper clip or coin).

2. Wing Angle (Dihedral)

1. Slightly bend the wings upward like a shallow “V”.
2. This gives stability and prevents rolling or flipping.

3. Test in Low Wind

1. Fly in a calm environment:
2. Indoors (big room)
3. Outdoors with little or no wind
4. Wind can flip or spin lightweight models.

4. Launch Angle

1. Throw gently at a 10–15° upward angle.
2. Don’t throw too hard – it is a glider, not dart.