How to Make the Mentor Paper Airplane

A fast, versatile and all-around able airplane, the Mentor is a very good choice for a trainer and introduction to faster paper airplanes. With its large expanses, there is plenty of room to add new control surfaces and devices to this airframe.

TAA USAF Designation: TF8-1

Materials

Required:
1 Piece of 8.5 by 11 inch Paper
Tape
Ruler
Scissors

Optional:
Pencil

Length and Corner Folding

First, start construction of your airplane by folding it in half along its length. Then pull each one side's corners in.

More Corner Folding

Again make a corner fold, this time bringing the leading edges of the first corner folds down to the center crease in the fuselage. Repeat on the other side.

Nose Folding; Wing and Winglet Fold Marking

Begin the step by making a mark two inches back from the tip of the nose. Then when you unfold the two halves of the paper, pull the nose back so that the crease is at this point. Then realign the ruler so it parallels the trailing edge and mark out 1 inch at both the leading and trailing edges.

Wing and Winglet Folding

Fold the wing down so that its root meets the two points 1 inch above the center fold. Repeat on the other side. Then fold the winglet by folding its trailing edge to that of the wing at its 1 inch mark. Repeat on the other side.

Taping

Tape your Mentor at its front and back and on its bottom.

Cut and Fold Elevators

Start making your elevators by marking the spot that is half an inch above (with the wings folded up) the wing root. Then make another mark 3/4 of an inch above that. After you've made your marks, cut about half an inch toward the leading edge straight forward from each point. Once you're done cutting, pull the paper of the elevator directly forward. Repeat on the other side.

When this step is done, your Mentor's elevators should look something like those in the last photograph.

Flight

Designed as a trainer aircraft, the Mentor is quite easy to fly. It has a blunt tip and landing outriggers for better survivability. For stability, the aircraft has two large winglets. With provisions for more control surfaces and add-ons, the Mentor is a good airplane for new paper aviators everywhere. Enjoy!