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In order to get the most fun and pleasure out of designing and making paper aero planes, you must follow some basic rules as follows:-

First the paper. This should be good quality thin white card. Not too thick or too thin. If it is too thick, it will be heavy and not fold well, and if it is too thin, it will not hold together and its wings may sag when flying. The card should be carefully marked out, with full lines for cutting and broken lines for bending. Remember the golden rule, measure twice and cut once.

Before folding, our second simple rule, or in this case advice, should be used. Mark each fold line with a dry byro pen, run firmly along the edge of a good ruler. This will mark the card well enough to make a good clean fold without cutting or scoring it.

Once the card has been scored, remember that the 'score' mark will be on the outside of the fold, not the inside, you can use your finger and thumb to fold the card where you want it.

Finally stage three, colouring your plane. You will no doubt have some idea of what you want, but do try to avoid water colour paints, as these will cause the card to buckle when wet and all your hard work in making and getting the plane to fly will be lost. Do have fun. I'm sure you will.

Once all the folds are in place, the exciting moment has arrived. A flying test ! This should be done indoors, as the wind can do some very strange things to a paper plane ! The flight you want will be achieved by adjusting the elevator tabs as well as the rudder. Don't rush, as this stage may take time to get right.