For many kids, folding paper planes is merely a way to pass the time.

For Illabo youngster Harry Pratt, it's a vehicle for national supremacy.

After being named state champion late last month, Harry won the Australia-wide Paper Plane Design Challenge in Sydney this week.

Harry’s ‘double dart’ plane covered more than 15 metres on the day, blitzing all competitors unfortunate enough to be standing in his way.

The 10-year-old, who said he expecting to finish second at best, said he was still coming to terms with his stunning success.

“When they called my name, it took a minute to actually sink in,” Harry said.

“I was just standing there smiling and laughing, I can’t really explain it.

“All my hard work had paid off.

“I’d been practising until my arms were sore.”

Among Harry’s prizes is a school visit from his heroes at Paper Pilots, a pair of professional paper plane makers who inspired Australian film Paper Planes.