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Today, May 26, marks National Paper Aeroplane Day. The day celebrates the fun and creativity of paper aeroplane making, which has been around since the early 1900s.

The day is usually celebrated with contests in two basic flight categories: distance and time in air. The practice of constructing paper planes is sometimes referred to as aerogami, after origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Crafting paper planes is said to have originated out of ancient China, but the art is said to have been perfected out of Japan.

Today, children in schools around the world are enjoying being creative with paper and learning about aerodynamics.

Just think, some of them taking part may be inspired to become future aviators!

Here are some fun and factual paper aeroplane timeline facts:

1700s – Paper Balloons
In France, the Montgolfier brothers make hot-air balloons using paper.

1783 – Paper Innovations
The Montgolfier brothers make the first paper cloth-lined hot-air balloon, which can carry humans.

1930s – Aerodynamics
Jack Northrop tests the aerodynamics of larger aeroplanes using paper models.

1998 – World Record!
The world record for the longest flight of a paper aeroplane is held by Ken Blackburn, with a 27.6-second flight.

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