Paper Airplanes: Discover the Science and Fun of Flight at Hiller Aviation Museum
Paper Airplanes: Discover the Science and Fun of Flight at Hiller Aviation Museum
Who says you need an actual airplane to become a test pilot? With nothing more than a sheet of paper, anyone can experiment with speed, distance, flight patterns, and even aerobatics. This August, families and aviation enthusiasts can discover the fascinating world of paper aviation during Paper Airplanes at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos.
Taking place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this special event will feature an expert demonstration by John Collins, a world-record-holding paper airplane designer and one of the top paper airplane makers in the country.
Whether you have been folding paper airplanes since childhood or have never built one before, this event offers a fun and fascinating look at how a simple piece of paper can become a surprisingly capable flying machine.
Everyone Can Become a Test Pilot
Paper airplanes are one of those timeless activities that can turn an ordinary piece of paper into an experiment in flight.
A small change in the fold can affect how an airplane flies. Adjusting the wings can change its stability. Changing the nose, angles, or weight distribution can influence its speed and distance.
That is part of what makes paper airplanes so much fun. They allow people to experiment with basic principles of aerodynamics without needing complicated equipment.
At Paper Airplanes, visitors can see just how much creativity and science can go into designing a successful paper glider.
Meet World Record Holder John Collins
The featured guest for this event is John Collins, a master paper airplane builder and world distance paper airplane record holder.
Collins has dedicated years to understanding the design and performance of paper airplanes. His expertise has helped demonstrate that creating an impressive paper aircraft involves much more than simply folding a sheet of paper.
During the event, Collins will provide an expert demonstration showcasing the wonder, delight, and aeronautic capabilities of handmade paper gliders.
His presentation is an opportunity to learn from someone who has taken this seemingly simple hobby to an extraordinary level.
Discover the Aerodynamics of Paper Flight
One of the most exciting parts of paper airplanes is seeing how science affects their performance.
Different designs can produce dramatically different results. Some are built for distance, while others are designed for speed or stability. Certain models can even perform impressive aerial maneuvers.
Collins will demonstrate the capabilities of handmade paper gliders and give visitors an opportunity to appreciate the design decisions that can make one paper airplane fly farther or more effectively than another.
For children, the activity can introduce basic concepts of science, engineering, experimentation, and problem-solving in a fun and approachable way.
From Simple Folds to Record-Breaking Designs
Although almost everyone has made a paper airplane at some point, record-breaking designs require a deeper understanding of folding techniques and aerodynamics.
Collins has authored several books dedicated to building paper airplanes, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to continue exploring the hobby after the event.
His books will also be available at the event, and Collins will be there to personalize them for visitors. For aspiring paper airplane designers, having a signed and personalized book from a world-record holder can make the experience even more memorable.
A Fun Event for Families and Aviation Fans
Paper Airplanes is an ideal event for families looking for an educational activity that does not feel like a traditional classroom lesson.
Children can discover how experimentation and creativity work together, while adults may find themselves reconnecting with a favorite childhood pastime.
Aviation enthusiasts will also appreciate the opportunity to explore flight from a completely different perspective. Instead of looking at large aircraft, engines, and complex machines, this event focuses on one of the simplest possible forms of aviation: a folded sheet of paper.
The event demonstrates that the principles behind flight can be fascinating at any scale.
Event Details
Event: Paper Airplanes
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Venue: Hiller Aviation Museum
Address: 601 Skyway Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070
Featured Expert: John Collins, world distance paper airplane record holder
From childhood experiments to world-record designs, paper airplanes demonstrate how creativity, science, and curiosity can come together in a remarkably simple way.
Join John Collins at the Hiller Aviation Museum for an hour of fascinating demonstrations and aviation fun. Discover how handmade paper gliders can achieve impressive distances and maneuvers, learn from a true expert, and explore the surprisingly sophisticated world behind one of childhood’s most beloved activities.
Grab a sheet of paper, bring your curiosity, and get ready to see paper airplanes in a whole new way!
See other interesting events in San Carlos. You may also check the main calendar for the dates of these, or to save them on your personal calendar.
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Mark Martinho and Viv Kelvin are the owners of Vabrato Real Estate
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