How to Fly a Rubber Band Plane

The most basic flying toy is the glider. Whether it takes the form of a flying disk, flying ring or a traditional airplane, the principles are still the same. The highest level of flying toy is the remote controlled aircraft, which can fly as long as it has power and can be controlled from the ground. In between are the flying toys that are powered, but cannot be controlled. The most common toy in this category is the rubber band airplane.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spare rubber bands

1. Attach one end of the rubber band to the hook on the plane's fuselage and the other end to the hook on the propeller.

2. Wind the rubber band by spinning the propeller. Most of the time you will spin the propeller clockwise, but check your plane's instructions to be sure. The number of times you turn the propeller will vary widely depending on the length and strength of the rubber band, the size and design of the hooks, the strength of the components of the plane and how long you want the plane to fly. Use your plane's instructions to get a general idea, and then experiment from there to see what works best.

3. Grasp the fuselage while still holding the propeller, and point it in the direction you want it to go. Release the propeller and the give the plane a very gentle push as you release it. The propeller will generate enough thrust to carry the plane aloft.
   When the rubber band completely unwinds, the plane will guide in and land smoothly unless there is a strong breeze or the plane is already damaged somehow.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have spare rubber bands on hand. The rubber bands are usually wound very tightly and can easily break. Fly your rubber band plane in a large open area with very little wind. A strong breeze can quickly overpower the thrust from the propeller and cause a crash. Your plane should fly in a large, gradual upward spiral and glide down the same way. If it flies straight or turns too tightly, adjust the rudder and ailerons as necessary to obtain the correct spiral.
• Do not put the propeller near your skin while it is spinning, or it will cut you. Even though most rubber band planes' propellers are plastic, they can still spin fast enough to cause injury.