Flight simulation software and games have been popular with computer users for years. The realistic cockpit control panel, the sound of the engine and the simulated view of the terrain from 20,000 feet all add to the illusion of flight. But as much fun as it is, few people feel like they're really flying. The people at Kitty Hawk haven't found a way to actually transport you and your PC into the wild blue yonder, but they have come up with a shareware program that does more than just emulate flying.
Greatest Paper Airplanes is a wonderful application that has been designed with an exceptional amount of care and skill. In an informative and entertaining way, it leads the user through the history of flight -- from ancient Chinese kites to stealth bombers. The basics of aerodynamics, a dictionary of aeronautical terms, and a humorous description of flight patterns are presented using hypertext and animation. But all of this information is merely an opening act for the headliners, the paper airplanes!
The program gives you step-by-step instructions for making some of the greatest paper airplanes (hence the name) you've ever thrown. You can follow along with animated instructions or you can print out a paper blueprint with the fold lines already drawn. If you follow the instructions carefully, you'll find that the planes fly beautifully. And for those few craft that might crash, the folks at Kitty Hawk have included tips for correcting and changing specific flight paths. This might be the most fun you can have with both feet on the ground!
