Building paper airplanes can be a fun exercise in aerodynamics. And one of the most important aspects of paper airplane construction is the weight of the paper used.
Fact
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A paper's weight is determined by the weight of 500 sheets as measured in pounds. Standard line paper averages between 16 and 20 pounds, depending on the quality.
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Significance
Paper provides the airplane's structure, and the paper's weight can determine the plane's design, durability, and performance.
Solution
According to the makers of HowToMakePaperAirplane.com, the ideal paper weight for constructing airplanes is between 18 and 28 pounds.
Effects
Using paper that's too light will make the plane flimsy and unstable in flight, allowing air gusts to knock it off course. Paper that's too heavy, while making the plane resistant to wind, will create more drag in the air and limit flight distance.
Features
The paper's surface can not only contribute to its weight, it's also an important factor in flight. Smoother surfaces offer less air resistance and prolong flight.