Folding the HARDEST Paper Airplane: The Phenom

Welcome, paper airplane enthusiasts! Today, we're tackling the ultimate challenge: folding the Phenom, a paper airplane known for its intricate design and impressive flight capabilities. This guide is for experienced folders ready to conquer a complex and rewarding model.

Why the Phenom is So Hard

The Phenom's difficulty stems from its unique design, requiring precise folds and a keen eye for detail. The steps are numerous and intricate, demanding patience and precision. But don't worry, with this guide and your dedication, you'll be soaring through the air with your very own Phenom.

The Steps to Folding the Phenom

Let's get started! You'll need a standard sheet of paper, preferably letter size. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Start with a Square: Fold your paper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Cut off the excess to create a perfect square.
2. First Fold: Fold the square in half diagonally again, forming a smaller triangle. Open it back up to reveal the crease.
3. Second Fold: Fold the top corner of the triangle down to the base, aligning it with the crease you just made. You'll now have a smaller triangle.
4. Third Fold: Fold the top corner of the smaller triangle down again, aligning it with the crease. This creates a very small triangle at the top.
5. Fourth Fold: Fold the right side of the triangle inward, aligning the edge with the crease on the left side. This creates a long, narrow shape.
6. Fifth Fold: Fold the top of the shape down, aligning it with the bottom edge. You'll now have a rectangle with a small triangle flap at the top.
7. Sixth Fold: Fold the small triangle flap down, tucking it under the rectangle.
8. Seventh Fold: Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, creating a long, narrow shape.
9. Eighth Fold: Fold the shape in half again, creating a very compact shape. This is the core of the Phenom.
10. Wings: Carefully open the two folds that form the wings. They should be symmetrical and slightly curved.
11. Tail: Fold the back of the Phenom to form the tail. Adjust the angle to fine-tune the flight characteristics.

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Folding the Phenom takes practice. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work perfectly the first time.
• Use a Sharp Crease: Make sure your folds are sharp and crisp. This will help the plane maintain its shape in flight.
• Experiment: Once you've mastered the basic Phenom, experiment with different paper types and sizes. See how these variations affect the flight.
• Adjust Your Throws: The Phenom's flight is influenced by how you throw it. Experiment with different angles and speeds to find the optimal launch.

Enjoy the Flight!

Congratulations! You've successfully folded the Phenom, one of the most challenging paper airplanes. Now, take it outside, throw it high, and marvel at its impressive flight capabilities. Remember, practice and patience are key. Happy flying!