On the 26th of May each year, we embrace an incredibly fun tradition known as National Paper Airplane Day. This holiday serves as a tribute to the delightful and complex activity of crafting and soaring paper airplanes. Celebrated by both young and old, this day brings to light the design, craftsmanship, and principles of flight incorporated in the creation of these airborne crafts made of paper.
Whether you reminiscence about your childhood or simply enjoy the wonder of the activity, National Paper Airplane Day invites everyone to relish the thrill and inventiveness involved in designing their unique paper planes. It’s all about stepping into the realm of imagination, fostering creativity, and experiencing joy in the simplest deacons of life.
History of National Paper Airplane Day
The tale of paper airplanes has an intriguing history and tracing it can be challenging. Paper gliders can be linked back to ancient China, nearly 2000 years ago, where they served as both ceremonial symbols and entertainment tools.
Fast forward to the twentieth century, the use of paper airplanes surged during World War I and II. Military schools leveraged these cost-effective tools to teach soldiers about aerodynamics and the principles of flight. The widespread public adoption of paper airplanes during this time could be attributed to this period.
The declaration of National Paper Airplane Day is a tribute to the historical significance of paper airplanes. Beyond national borders, this day has found enthusiastic participants worldwide, eager to celebrate the design, adventurous spirit, and sheer joy associated with these humble flying machines.
In modern times, paper airplane throwing has evolved into a competitive pursuit with contests being held globally. The world record for the longest paper airplane flight stands at an impressive 290 feet (88.32 meters), established by Dillon Ruble, Nathan Erickson and Garrett Jensen in 2022.
National Paper Airplane Day inspires a sense of nostalgia and creativity, as enthusiasts eagerly share their unique designs and memories associated with paper airplanes. Frequent venues of celebration include schools, colleges, and offices, making this unconventional celebration a cherished memory for many.
National Paper Airplane Day Timeline
Origination of Paper and Paper Aircraft
It is believed that paper was invented in China during this period, and the first rudimentary paper aircraft were likely created not much later.
Leonardo Da Vinci Sketches
Leonardo Da Vinci created sketches of what appear to be paper planes, indicating the continued use and development of paper aircraft throughout history.
The 'Jack Northrop' Paper Plane Model
Aircraft engineer Jack Northrop used a paper plane model to test aerodynamics for the Lockheed Corporation.
Online Tutorials
The internet has enabled the spread of detailed and creative methods for creating paper airplanes, signalling a new era for this ancient pastime.
First International Paper Airplane Competition
The Scientific American sponsored the 1st International Paper Airplane Competition.
Guinness World Record
Dillon Ruble, Nathan Erickson and Garrett Jensen break the world record for the longest distance flown by a paper airplane.
First National Paper Airplane Day
National Paper Airplane Day is celebrated as an homage to the simple aerodynamic pleasure.
Ideas to Celebrate National Paper Airplane Day
Paper Airplane Contest
Organize a paper airplane contest where participants make their own airplanes and compete to see whose can fly the furthest or the most accurately. Involve different categories like distance, design and accuracy to keep it interesting.
Create an Airplane Art Gallery
Prepare an art exhibit with different creative and colorful paper airplane models. Each participant can contribute their own design incorporating different artistic techniques.
Paper Airplane Making Class
Invite a craft expert to teach a class on how to make various types of paper airplanes. This can be a fun and engaging way for people to learn more about aerodynamics and the science behind flying.
Paper Airplane Movie Night
Show a series of films or documentaries related to airplanes, flight, or specifically paper airplanes. This could be paired with a paper airplane-making session and popcorn.
Online Paper Airplane Challenge
Host an online challenge for those who can't gather in person. Participants can submit videos of their airplane's flight or photos of their unique designs.
Inter-School Paper Airplane Tournament
Collaborate with local schools for an inter-school paper airplane tournament. Students can participate, compete and learn about the art of making paper planes.
8 Interesting Facts About Paper Airplane
Origins
Paper airplanes were used by the Chinese in A.D. 500–1000 for ceremonial purposes, indicating that the history of paper airplanes is over 2000 years old.
World Record
The current world record for the longest flight by a paper aircraft was set by Dillon Ruble, with the support of Nathaniel Erickson and Garrett Jensen, in December 2022, with a distance of 88.31 m (289 ft 9 in).
A NASA Tool
NASA used paper airplanes to test and improve aeronautical designs before building and using bigger models or actual airplanes.
Technological Perspective
The designs of paper airplanes often mimic the designs of real airplanes. This is based on the same fundamental principles of aviation.
A Global Competition
The Red Bull Paper Wings is a world paper plane championship, where contestants from around the globe show off their folding skills and compete in long distance and aerobatic events.
Educational Use
Paper airplanes are often used in school classrooms to help teach principles of aerodynamics, physics and mathematics.
Types of Paper Airplanes
There are countless different types of paper airplane designs which are categorised based on aspects like distance, flight style, complexity and origami.
Significance in Japan
In Japan, the art of folding paper airplanes is often linked to the traditional art of origami.
National Paper Airplane Day FAQs
Next National Paper Airplane Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 26th | Friday |
| 2024 | May 26th | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 26th | Monday |
| 2026 | May 26th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 26th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every May 26th | |
National Paper Airplane Day Word Search
- Airplane
- Aerodynamics
- Flight
- Fold
- Contest
- Origami