Combs: 10 States Left to Go!

July 15, 2010—You could say that it’s repeatedly raining on Michael Combs’ parade. That’s because rain and wind gusts continue to delay Combs’ Flight for the Human Spirit, his 50-state journey in a light-sport aircraft meant to encourage others to follow their own dreams. “I factored in 10 years of weather averages across the country… and figured we would have 35 weather delay days,” he said. “We are currently at 51. But that’s because I’m being very cautious. I know a lot of people are watching this flight, and I’m not taking any chances. If there are storms or high winds, we stop and stay on the ground.” Combs took off in April in his Remos GX with a goal to land in all 50 states, a feat that has never been accomplished before in a light-sport aircraft. So far he’s traveled 13,500 miles and made 95 stops in 40 states. He’s currently in Denton, Texas on a weather hold, and plans to divert to Oshkosh next week where he will be presenting forums at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010, scheduled from July 26-August 1. Click here to see his AirVenture schedule. By the time he finishes his trip in mid-September, he will have made about 140 stops, covered more than 22,000 miles and made stops in all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii. Already, more than 2 million people have been touched by his story. After an illness almost killed him in 2003, Combs decided he would live life with no regrets. So he earned his sport pilot license last fall, and decided on the flight. “I’m not doing this flight just to fulfill my dreams,” he said. “My goal was just to fly, not to go on an epic adventure. But I want to use this flight to help other people fulfill their dreams.” Combs said he’s heard of many people who told them they are taking flying lessons because of his story. But others are using his message of living your dreams to start their own businesses or even propose marriage. Combs is using technology to interact and allow people to follow his flight. Satellite tracking lets people to know where he is as he flies, plus social media makes it easier for people to be updated on his progress. Click here for Facebook or Twitter updates.

Michael Combs has already flown to 40 of the 50 United States as he encourages people to follow their own dreams. Photo credit: Official Flight for the Human Spirit Facebook Fan Page Michael and Michele Combs stand in front of their Remos GX called Hope One. Photo credit: Official Flight for the Human Spirit Facebook Fan Page Hope One in the air. Photo credit: Official Flight for the Human Spirit Facebook Fan Page

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