National Paper Airplane Day

Fold and fly! A person in casual attire happily launching a paper airplane in a park.. — National paper airplane day illustration

Hey there, paper aviation enthusiasts! Get ready to fold, fly, and have a blast as we celebrate National Paper Airplane Day! This exciting day is all about embracing your inner pilot and letting your creativity soar. So grab your paper, buckle up, and let's dive into the fascinating world of paper airplanes!

When is Paper Airplane Day?

It's national paper airplane day on the 26th May.

History of National Paper Airplane Day:

While paper airplanes may seem like child's play, their origins date back many centuries. The concept of folding paper and launching it into the air has captivated people of all ages throughout history. But it wasn't until the 20th century that paper airplanes truly took off.

As World War II loomed over the world, paper airplanes became more than just a fun pastime. Pilots and engineers began experimenting with paper prototypes to test various aerodynamic principles and flight characteristics. These innovative designs eventually inspired the creation of real aircraft.

In honor of this rich history and the joy that paper airplanes bring, National Paper Airplane Day came into existence. It's a day to celebrate the ingenuity and imagination that goes into crafting these simple yet remarkable flying wonders.

How to Celebrate:

Ready to embrace the art of paper aviation? Here are some awesome ways to celebrate National Paper Airplane Day:

Organize a paper airplane competition with your friends, family, or coworkers. See whose creation can go the farthest or perform the fanciest acrobatics!
Create a paper airplane fleet and have an exciting airshow in your backyard or local park. Don't forget to invite your loved ones and spread the joy of flight!
Challenge yourself by attempting to fold and fly unique paper airplane designs. Get creative and experiment with different shapes, sizes, and modifications.
Host a workshop or tutorial for aspiring paper aviation enthusiasts. Share your knowledge and teach others the art of crafting the perfect paper plane.
Take a moment to appreciate the magic of flight and the joy it brings. Stand outside, launch your paper airplane into the sky, and revel in the simple pleasure of watching it dance through the air.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world record for the longest time aloft for a paper airplane is an astonishing 29.2 seconds? This incredible feat was achieved by Joe Ayoob in 2012, with the help of former football quarterback Joe Montana, who threw the paper plane with pinpoint accuracy. Talk about a legendary paper flight!

History behind the term 'Paper Airplane'

1883

The Birth of the Paper Glider

In 1883, Jack Mahoney created what is believed to be the first recorded instance of a paper glider. Although it wasn't referred to as a 'paper airplane' yet, this was a significant development in the history of flight. The paper glider resembled a basic winged shape, crafted by folding paper to create a wing and tail. Mahoney's creation laid the foundation for future iterations of paper aircraft.

1915

The Sorigami Phenomenon

In 1915, an article titled 'Sorigami: The Latest Fad from Japan' appeared in the magazine 'The Outlook'. It introduced the term 'Sorigami', which combined the Japanese words 'soru' meaning paper and 'orikata' meaning folded shapes. This marked the first recognition of the art of paper folding in the Western world. While Sorigami encompassed various folded paper objects, the concept of paper airplanes gained attention and captivated the imagination of people.

1920s

Paper Airplanes Take Flight

During the 1920s, the popularity of paper airplanes soared. Thanks to the growing fascination with aviation and the increasing accessibility of paper, people began crafting and experimenting with different designs. The simple act of folding paper into various shapes and throwing them through the air became an entertaining pastime for many.

1930s

The Golden Age of Paper Airplanes

The 1930s witnessed a surge in paper airplane designs and innovations. Fascinated by the emerging field of aerodynamics, enthusiasts like Jack Northrop and Frank Zaic started designing more advanced paper aircraft. Their intricate designs incorporated elements such as multiple wings, tail sections, and increased stability. These pioneers paved the way for the future of paper airplane engineering.

1967

The Gliding Revolution

In 1967, aeronautical engineer and enthusiast, Ken Blackburn, set the Guinness World Record for the longest paper airplane flight. Blackburn's record-breaking flight covered a distance of over 3,000 feet, showcasing the potential and possibilities of paper airplanes. His achievements ignited a worldwide fascination with paper aviation, inspiring countless individuals to experiment and push the boundaries of paper airplane design.

2006

The Red Bull Paper Wings World Finals

The Red Bull Paper Wings World Finals, held for the first time in 2006, brought together the global paper airplane community. This unique competition showcased the artistry, creativity, and flight skills of participants from different parts of the world. The event continues to celebrate the joy of making and flying paper airplanes, fostering a sense of camaraderie among enthusiasts and promoting this timeless hobby.