The Elexi Paper Airplane: A Beginner’s Guide to Folding a Long-Distance Flyer

Ready to take your paper airplane skills to new heights? The Elexi paper airplane, designed by Alex Karlsen, is a champion flyer known for its impressive distance. This guide will walk you through the steps of folding this amazing aircraft, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned paper airplane enthusiasts alike.

Materials You’ll Need

• A single sheet of standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper (letter size)

Folding Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to fold your Elexi paper airplane:

1. Start with a flat sheet of paper. Position it horizontally in front of you, with the longer side facing you.
2. Fold the top edge to meet the bottom edge. Make a sharp crease along the center line.
3. Unfold the paper. You should now have a crease down the center.
4. Fold the top right corner down to the center crease. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line.
5. Fold the top left corner down to the center crease. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line.
6. Fold the top edge down to the bottom edge. Make a sharp crease along the center line.
7. Fold the top right corner down to the center crease. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line.
8. Fold the top left corner down to the center crease. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line.
9. Fold the right edge of the paper inwards. The fold should meet the center crease.
10. Fold the left edge of the paper inwards. The fold should meet the center crease.
11. Fold the top layer of the paper down. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line. This will create the wings of the airplane.
12. Fold the bottom layer of the paper up. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line. This will create the tail of the airplane.
13. Fold the top layer of the paper down again. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line. This will refine the shape of the wings.
14. Fold the bottom layer of the paper up again. Make a sharp crease along the new fold line. This will refine the shape of the tail.
15. Adjust the wings and tail. Gently bend the wings and tail to achieve the desired shape. You can experiment with different angles to find the best flight characteristics.

Tips for Flying Your Elexi

• Use a smooth launch. A gentle, horizontal throw will give your plane the best start.
• Experiment with launch angles. Try throwing your plane at different angles to see how it affects its flight path.
• Adjust the wings and tail. Fine-tune the shape of your wings and tail to improve its aerodynamics and distance.

Conclusion

The Elexi paper airplane is a fun and challenging project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these simple instructions, you can fold your own Elexi and experience the thrill of launching a long-distance flyer. Happy flying!