Paper Airplane Tier List: The Best & Worst Designs

Folding a simple paper airplane is a timeless childhood pastime that brings back fond memories. But did you know that some designs soar higher, fly farther, or perform unique tricks? This tier list ranks various paper airplane designs based on their flight performance, with detailed descriptions and links to tutorials for each model. It's a fun and informative resource for anyone interested in building and flying paper airplanes.

Tier S: The Elite Flyers

These paper airplanes are the crème de la crème, consistently delivering impressive flight characteristics. They're known for their long flight times, graceful glides, and ability to perform tricks like loops and dives.

Rank	Design	Description	Tutorial Link
1	Dart Airplane	This classic design is known for its long, straight flight and impressive distance. It's a great choice for beginners and experienced fliers alike.	Dart Airplane Tutorial
2	Glider	Gliders are designed for long, graceful flights, often staying aloft for extended periods. They're excellent for exploring the dynamics of lift and air resistance.	Glider Airplane Tutorial
3	Boomerang	Boomerangs are designed to return to the thrower, providing a unique and exciting flight experience. It's a challenge to master, but the rewards are worth it.	Boomerang Airplane Tutorial

Tier A: The Reliable Flyers

These designs consistently deliver good performance, making them reliable options for casual flights. They're easy to build and fly, making them perfect for beginners.

Rank	Design	Description	Tutorial Link
4	Simple Plane	The most basic paper airplane design, the Simple Plane is easy to fold and provides a good introduction to the fundamentals of flight.	Simple Plane Tutorial
5	Wedge Airplane	The Wedge Airplane is known for its stable flight and ability to glide long distances. It's a good choice for exploring different wing shapes and their effects on flight.	Wedge Airplane Tutorial
6	Swallow Airplane	The Swallow Airplane is a more advanced design known for its impressive flight time and ability to perform basic tricks.	Swallow Airplane Tutorial

Tier B: The Decent Flyers

These designs are still fun to fly, but they might not have the same level of performance as the higher tiers. They're good for experimenting with different folding techniques and exploring the basics of aerodynamics.

Rank	Design	Description	Tutorial Link
7	Water Bomber	The Water Bomber is designed to fly low and skim the ground, making it a fun choice for outdoor play. It's also surprisingly stable in flight.	Water Bomber Tutorial
8	Double Wing Airplane	The Double Wing Airplane has two wings, giving it a unique appearance and decent flight characteristics. It's a good choice for exploring different wing configurations.	Double Wing Airplane Tutorial
9	Fighter Jet	The Fighter Jet is designed for speed and maneuverability, though it might not have the same flight time as other designs. It's a fun choice for trying out different throwing techniques.	Fighter Jet Tutorial

Tier C: The Not-So-Great Flyers

These designs might not fly very well, but they're still fun to experiment with. They're a good opportunity to explore the importance of aerodynamics and how small changes in design can have a big impact on flight performance.

Rank	Design	Description	Tutorial Link
10	Paperclip Airplane	The Paperclip Airplane is a simple design that relies on a paperclip for stability. It's a good choice for exploring the role of weight and balance in flight.	Paperclip Airplane Tutorial
11	Flying Fish	The Flying Fish is designed to glide and flap its wings, but it's often difficult to get it to fly consistently. It's a good challenge for experienced fliers.	Flying Fish Tutorial
12	Origami Airplane	Origami airplanes are often complex and beautiful, but they don't always fly well. They're more for artistic expression than flight performance.	Origami Airplane Tutorial

Conclusion

This tier list is just a starting point for exploring the world of paper airplanes. There are countless other designs out there, each with its unique characteristics and flight performance. So get creative, experiment with different folding techniques, and discover the joy of building and flying your own paper airplanes.