Building a Balsa/Tissue Paper/Rubber Band Powered Model Airplane

The instructions are only in video form. I get my materials from Kelvin.com. The items are hyperlinked. If you are just making one or a couple planes, I suggest you get a simple kit from your local hoppy store. Here is the pattern--in PDF format. Before you print it out, make sure it will not be scaled or fit to page. Check the "scale check." It should be 4 inches or 102 mm PATTERN.

970089 for 1/16"x1/8"x36" balsa

970028 for 1/8"x3/8"x36" Balsa

850654 for Nose Hook Propeller, 6" Dia.

420399 for Tissue Paper, Assorted Colors

850658 for Rubberband, 1/8" Wide x 50' Long

920041 for Cool Melt Mini Glue Gun

930052 for Hot/Cool Melt Mini Glue Gun Slugs

340006 for Electrical Tape, Red

I now tell my students to crumple the tissue paper for the wings and then flatten it out again. That is because it absorbs moisture from the air and eventually shrinks, sometimes causing the wing to warp. Also, the video says to tape the wing 3 inches from the front. If the plane has trouble climbing, try 2 1/2" instead.

You also might want to check out these instructions for building a flapping flying device by ornithopter wizard Nathan Chronister. I bought one of Nathan's basic kits. It was somewhat challenging to make the first one because I couldn't quite visualize how all the parts would work together and I was slow to understand how the prop wire was bent. But it does fly well, it is truly unworldly to watch, and making a second one would be easy.http://www.ornithopter.org/index.shtml

. Also, check Nathan's web site. It is informative with short videos. http://www.ornithopter.org/index.shtml

I do have some rough instructions for making a homemade propeller from a 2-liter plastic soft drink bottle.