Recommended Free Tools
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
John Collins, known as “The Paper Airplane Guy,” became a paper-airplane designer, author, teacher, and performer through years of folding and experimentation. He designed the airplane Joe Ayoob threw a reported 226 feet 10 inches in 2012; Collins designed it, while Ayoob supplied the throw. Collins’s account of that project is also a story about revising an early design and learning from unexpected results.
How did John Collins become the Paper Airplane Guy?
In a 2018 interview with Make:, Collins said his first book was published in 1989. He continued writing books and studying origami while working in television, including directing live newscasts for more than 20 years and later working in commercial production.
After accidentally mishandling a digital file and losing his job, Collins reconsidered his next step. He decided to try working full time as a paper-airplane presenter and designer, drawing on years of folding, performance, and production experience.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Ten speed press
- Language: english
- Book - the new world champion paper airplane book: featuring the world record-breaking design, with tear-out planes to fold and fly
Collins describes his live programs as demanding performances: 45 minutes and 24 flying machines, with demonstrations that need to work on cue. He says audience reactions give him immediate feedback about what is and is not working. These are Collins’s descriptions of his own work, not independently measured audience research.
How did he develop the record-setting design?
Collins told Make: that the glider project took about three years. After trying other approaches, he returned to the basic folding sequence of his first A4-paper design. He modified the wings, added reinforcement creases, and experimented with dihedral—the upward angle of the wings.
The reported flight covered 226 feet 10 inches. On February 26, 2012, at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, Joe Ayoob threw the airplane Collins designed. The date and location are reported by the later interview article; Make: also reports the distance and the separate roles of designer and thrower.
Keep those roles distinct: Collins designed the aircraft, and Ayoob threw it. Collins’s own site is reported to use the historical label “GWR Holder 2012–2022.” Because current Guinness records were not independently verified in this research, it is more precise to describe Collins as the designer behind the 2012 record-distance flight, not as the current world-record holder.
What can a failed flight teach a designer?
Collins treats an unexpected result as information to investigate. He recalls that an attempt fell short and that sponsors encouraged him to continue. His account of the Boomerang II is another example: while trying to add landing gear, he moved the center of gravity too far rearward. The plane stalled and crashed, but he noticed that some throws flipped and partially returned. He refined that behavior into a returning stunt design.
Collins put his approach this way in the Make: interview: “I think in terms of outcome; not success or failure.” For him, a flight that does not meet its goal can still suggest what to test next.
How does Collins use paper airplanes to teach?
Collins describes paper-airplane activities as a way for students to make a prediction, choose an adjustment, throw the plane, observe what happens, and form a new hypothesis. He says the activity can exercise small-motor coordination, following directions, spatial visualization, and geometry. These are his claims about the activity; this research did not find independent studies evaluating those outcomes.
His advice to teachers is concise: “Every flight is a test flight.” A student can use each result to ask a more specific question about the design or the throw, rather than treating an unexpected flight as a reason to stop.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Where can readers find Collins’s designs?
The New World Champion Paper Airplane Book is a directly relevant starting point for readers who want to fold Collins’s designs. The listing found in this research describes it as including the world-record design and tear-out planes. Confirm the exact edition and current availability before buying.
Rank #4
- Book for building 112 amazing paper airplanes
- Encourages fine motor skills, following instructions, scientific learning
- Kids get excited to learn all about aerodynamics
- Builds 20 airworthy designs
- All planes feature vibrant graphics - Ready to tear out, fold, and fly
Collins has also been associated with classes, presentations, and event programs. Their current availability, locations, and booking terms were not established in this research, so readers should verify those details directly before making plans.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Did John Collins throw the 2012 record-distance paper airplane?
No. Collins designed the airplane, and Joe Ayoob threw it. The reported distance was 226 feet 10 inches.
How long did the glider project take?
Collins said in the Make: interview that the project took about three years.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Is John Collins the current paper-airplane distance record holder?
This research supports calling Collins the designer behind the 2012 record-distance flight. Current Guinness record status was not independently verified, so do not describe him as the current record holder without checking Guinness’s current listing.
What is the Boomerang II?
It is a returning stunt design that Collins developed after a rearward center-of-gravity shift caused stalls and unexpected partial returns. He studied and refined the behavior rather than discarding it.
Which book can help readers fold Collins’s designs?
The New World Champion Paper Airplane Book is the clearest match. The listing found in this research describes it as including the record design and tear-out planes; confirm the edition and availability before buying.
The Bottom Line
John Collins’s best-known flight was a collaboration: he designed the plane, and Joe Ayoob threw it. Collins’s broader lesson is about the process behind a design—observe what happens, treat unexpected results as useful evidence, and revise the next attempt.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
