Fabulous Paper Gliders - Softcover

Grade 5 UpASerious paper airplane crafters will welcome the 16 model gliders diagrammed here. However, the book is at least as valuable for its detailed account of the history of motorless planes from the early 19th-century experiments of Sir George Cayley to the new, high-tech PW-5 Smyk that will be used when soaring becomes on Olympic sport in 2000. In specific but nonmathematical terms, Schmidt explains Bernoulli's principle and other aerodynamic effects, then describes the use of gliders in wartime, the development of gliding as a competitive sport, and the continuing refinements in design and materials. The models, all but one of which are based on real gliders, are not for novices, as even the simplest has 10 pieces and the author warns that precise cutting and adjustments are required for good results. Nonetheless, Schmidt makes the construction as easy as possible with plenty of tips about safety and technique. He also instructs readers to photocopy the pages, and not cut them out. For its historical background, consider this as a companion to John Bringhurst's Planes, Jets and Helicopters (Tab Books, 1993).AJohn Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 6^-12. Readers familiar with Schmidt's previous books on paper airplanes who are ready to build more-sophisticated flying paper models will definitely want to see this book. Besides providing patterns for 16 gliders (all but one are models of actual gliders), Schmidt supplies a history of soaring flight and glider development, instructs readers in the basic principles of aerodynamics, and describes how to test and launch the paper gliders. Pattern pieces, which can be photocopied and cut from card stock, are clearly labeled, and the detailed step-by-step instructions leave little room for error. A brief history of each glider accompanies a full-color photograph of the completed model. A glossary of aviation terms is appended. Chris Sherman