How to Make a Paper Helicopter

Easy4 steps Toys and things

A paper helicopter that spins as it falls. Unlike origami it needs two short cuts: print the template, cut on the solid lines, fold on the dashed lines.

You need: The printable template (or a strip of paper 3 times as long as it is wide), scissors and a paper clip.

Print the template (PDF)Print instructions (PDF) See the steps

Step by step

1
Print the template and cut along the solid lines: down the middle of the top, and in from each side. Then fold the left side in.
2
Fold the right side in over it.
3
Fold the bottom up. Add a paper clip here to give it weight.
4
Fold one blade toward you and the other blade away from you.
✓
Open the blades so they stick out to each side, like a T. Hold it up high and let go: it spins as it falls.

Tips

Drop it from as high as you safely can: a stair landing or a chair.
One paper clip on the bottom keeps it upright. Try two and see how the spin changes.
Bend the blades further down for a faster spin.