An improved flying cylinder and method of constructing the cylinder is disclosed. The cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical body having a leading end and a trailing end, the center of gravity of the cylindrical body being located relatively toward the leading end. The cylinder is adapted to be propelled through the air with axial spin. A boundary layer tripping mechanism is located circumferentially around the exterior surface of the leading end of the cylindrical body. This mechanism provides the cylinder with a turbulent boundary layer as it is propelled through the air to reduce drag and improve the flying characteristics of the cylinder.