To shape the wings keep the plane folded along the crease, and fold along a line parallel to the bottom edge of the plane.
To cut the anchor where the rubber band will hook into, I’d recommend using a knife. You can use scissors too, you just need to be careful so the two cuts meet in one sharp point, otherwise the rubber band may get stuck in it.
Choosing the right rubber band is key to get your Super Paper Jet flying far. For maximum reach, we want the rubber band to be long, with good stretch and strength. Try stretching the rubber band – if it returns to the same length that’s good, if it becomes longer after the stretch that’s not good.
You can also use a longer rubber band, e.g. from a file folder. That’s what I was using and I was close to reaching the length of a soccer field!
You can experiment with this, but that’s my choice on using the rubber band:
– Create a triangle with the pinkie, the index finger and the thumb.
– Stretch the rubber band from the pinkie.
– Pass the rubber band around the index finger and the thumb.
This way there is not rubber in the way of the plane, and all the length and strength of the rubber band is on the plane side.
Find an open space for the test launch so you get a sense of how fast and far this plane can go – a park, a baseball field, etc.
Don’t forget to share how far your paper jet went :)
