Print, cut, fold, glue, fly! This is a simple design for a flying dragon that is perfect for flying indoors or outdoors in a light breeze. From the first cut to the finished dragon, expect to spend 50 minutes. If you have no prior experience making paper or model airplanes, it may take over an hour.
Print the PDF onto card stock (or onto plain paper, then photocopy it onto card stock). Use approximately 80 lb. card stock. Use any color that strikes your fancy.
If you intend to print double sided (so bones will be visible on the top of the wing) you may need to experiment with the photocopy machine or printer to get good alignment between the two sides.
Here are the materials. The green paper is simply a work surface that prevents glue from getting on the table. The matte knife (utility knife) is not entirely necessary. If you are a child or adolescent and want to use a matte knife, ask an adult for assistance and use it with caution. Put a cutting board or other durable material under the card stock before cutting it so that you don't damage the table.
Cut them out very carefully. Be patient with this step.
The instructions are covered in this short video. Here are some parts of an airplane you'll need to know in order to best build, fly, and adjust the dragon.
The dragons pictured in this Instructable are color designs that I sell online. The PDF you downloaded is black and white. If you wish to color your dragon (which would be fun and totally worth it) be weary of using markers. The moisture in the markers may cause the paper to ruffle and warp. Colored pencils are probably the safest option. Like a good engineer, you can do tests with markers and pencils on your scrap material.
Look down the nose of the dragon and make sure there are no twists or bends in the fuselage. If there are any, gently straighten them out. Check the wings, too. Make sure the left and right sides of the wing are raised to the same height. Check the vertical and horizontal stabilizers for warps and symmetry. Check the dragon and make adjustments after every few flights. This will ensure proper flight. Avoid water and damp ground.
Put small paper clip (no. 1 size) if you are flying the dragon indoors, or if you want the dragon to do loops and turns. Use a large paper clip if your want a longer, straighter flight, or if you are flying outdoors and there is a breeze. You can adjust the rudder and elevators to change the flight characteristics of the dragon. Note that the elevators should never be set at a downward angle, as this will cause the dragon to pitch down and crash.
WARNING— The glider can cause eye injury. Advise those around you before you throw it, and consider wearing glasses to protect your own eyes.
If you enjoyed this Instructable, you can support my creative projects by going to www.etsy.com/shop/zdedesigns and liking my shop, or by liking the YouTube video you watched. Thank you!!
Very nice, we love dragons in this house!