Meet Featured Maker – John Collins, “The Paper Airplane Guy”: World-Class Flight, One Sheet at a Time

By tompupo, Apr 16, 2026

At Maker Faire Miami 2026, we’re bringing in makers who can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. John Collins, better known as “The Paper Airplane Guy,” does exactly that- turning a single sheet of paper into a high-performance flying machine.

If you think paper airplanes are simple, John is about to completely change your perspective.

From Simple Folds to World Records

John Collins is one of the most recognized paper airplane designers in the world. He held the Guinness World Record for paper airplane distance from 2012 to 2022, a testament to the precision, experimentation, and deep understanding of aerodynamics behind his work.

His designs go far beyond the classic dart:

• Long-distance gliders
• Indoor duration flyers
• Planes that loop, spin, and soar
• Designs that blend art, science, and engineering

What starts as a simple fold becomes a masterclass in flight.

A Global Stage: Media, Museums & Major Talks

John’s work has captured global attention across television, media, and museums.

Television Appearances Include:

• Conan
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not
• National Geographic, Discovery, Science Channel
• CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC
• ESPN, NFL Network

Museum & Science Center Collaborations:

• Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
• Exploratorium
• The Tech Interactive
• Hiller Aviation Museum
• Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
• Copernicus Science Centre
• Science Centre Singapore

Speaking Engagements Include:

• TEDx Munich
• Google Zeitgeist
• WIRED 25
• Harvard Graduate School of Design
• Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Rice University
• Maker Faires around the world

His work has also been featured in WIRED, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Gazette, and more – solidifying his place as a leading voice in creative engineering.

Learn to Build Paper Airplanes All Weekend

What makes John’s presence at Maker Faire Miami truly special?

At his booth, John will be:

• Leading hands-on paper airplane building sessions all weekend long
• Teaching folding techniques for high-performance designs
• Helping participants test and refine their planes
• Sharing insights one-on-one with makers of all ages

Whether you’re a student, educator, or just someone who hasn’t folded a plane in years, this is your chance to learn from one of the best in the world.

John Collins reminds us that innovation doesn’t always require advanced tools or expensive materials. Sometimes, all you need is a sheet of paper, a curious mind, and the willingness to experiment! His work brings engineering back to its most accessible form – and inspires anyone to start building.

See The Paper Airplane Guy Live

Join us at Maker Faire Miami 2026 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center (Fuchs Pavilion) April 25th and 26th to meet John Collins and experience the magic of flight… one fold at a time.

Come ready to build. Leave ready to soar.