A Paper Airplane Makes It To Near Space And Back, But This Paper Plane Is More High Tech Than Some Full Size Planes

On Saturday, September 13, Fox Valley Composite Squadron, the local unit of the Illinois Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), beat the Guinness World Record of “Highest Paper Airplane Flight from a High Altitude Balloon”. The paper airplane was launched from Kankakee, IL and achieved an altitude of 96,563 feet (18.3 miles into the Stratosphere) and then safely landing, 82 miles away, Southwest of Rochester, IN.

The squadron started the project as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experience for their cadets (youths ages 12-18). The cadets completely designed and constructed the traditional paper airplane design made of paper board and measuring 30 inches in length, with a 14½ inches wingspan and weighing a total of 1 pound.

The paper airplane was also outfitted with a GPS tracking system, temperature sensors, barometric pressure sensor, flight computer, batteries, solar panel and HD video camera to record the entire historic flight. The aircraft was then tethered to a large helium weather balloon and launched to altitude, where the balloon burst and the paper airplane’s flight computer cut itself away for its record-breaking flight.

Of course the new world record is considered unofficial until Guinness reviews all documentation regarding the flight. The squadron has submitted all required documentation and before too long they are hoping that this amazing achievement is vetted and published in the next Guinness Book of World Records.

The CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 23,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. The Fox Valley Composite Squadron is located at DuPage Airport and is currently comprised of 41 Cadets (youth 12-18) and 49 Adult Members. These members volunteer their time and expertise towards Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.

(Photo by CAP 1st Lt Gary Brown of Squadron Commander Maj. John Fletcher with the record setting paper plane)

FMI: www.foxcap.org/content/nearspaceballoon