Customer Reviews

Super Paper Airplanes: Biplanes to Space Planes

5 star:		(4)
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3 star:		(1)
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I stumbled across this book in a local library a few years ago in the oragami section and was intrigued. I had tried making accurate flight-capable airplanes before, but with little success. The simple approach that Schmidt uses makes the building process enjoyable, and while the planes produced are reward in themselves, the fact that they actually fly enhances the experience. While the planes aren't super-realistic, they are a definate change of pace from simple folding and precision cutting and bending. While the intended age range encompasses mostly grade/middleschoolers, the young at heart will still find enjoyment by adding details to the planes and having realitsic (paper) jet fighter strikes against their coworkers. This book is definately for anoyne with a passion for flying and/or folding.

all of the planes in this book fly great if you like planes,paper planes ,oragami ,you gota get this book

We have checked this book out of our local library four times and renewed it several more times than that. It has many different planes from simple and easy to fold, to the more complicated bi-plane and even a Boeing 747. They all look remarkably realistic and to-scale when done carefully. Scissors, ruler, and glue are necessary besides, of course, paper. We need our own copy for my airplane-loving son.

This book has some wonderful airplane plans in it. I bought it for one of my granddaughters and looked forward to spending time with her making paper airplanes. She is six years old. I have been very disappointed with the instructions and diagrams in the book. Although they are fairly thorough, the author writes in a rather technical manner that makes it difficult for the novice. Even though I was doing most of the work, I often became frustrated. There are too many things assumed in the instructions that add to this frustration. I made the biplane, but before I could understand the instructions fully, I had to call an aircraft mechanic friend of mine to ask him questions. For example,when it comes to making the ailerons, the author gives the dimensions for them and provides the following explanation for making them, "Make ailerons in locations indicated." He does not explain where to make the cuts nor does the illustration make that clear. Also the following step does not show the aileron cuts as having been made.

In short, if you would like to make some really cool planes, would like to learn somethings about the function of real planes such as ailerons, elevators, and rudder, then this is the book for you. However, if you are looking for a book to help you make some airplanes like you and your friends used to make "back in the day", do not buy this one.

I have for the past 12 years of my life enjoyed this book and used to always get it at the Library. Finally got out on my own and was able to find it online!! Now its mine!!! Your kids and some adults will thoroughly enjoy this book!!