Dunedin paper plane champion Josh Stewart is winging his way to Austria to test his technique against more than 80 other "pilots" from as many countries.
The University of Otago student had New Zealand's best qualifying throw of 43.6m for the 2012 world paper plane championships. It was the fifth-longest throw of thousands during all international qualifying events.
Mr Stewart (20) left New Zealand for Austria this week with New Zealand's other qualifiers in the contest's aerobatics and longest air time categories.
Since qualifying in late March, he has practised inside Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Mr Stewart said he had not changed his initial technique, using a long, narrow paper dart thrown with force.
The third-year genetics student will have two attempts at the world title in Salzburg during competition heats before this weekend's final.
"I'm excited more than anything. I'll give it my best," he said.
