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By TIM UNRUH

Salina Journal

Life soared for Michael Combs last October when he got his pilot's license, fulfilling a longtime goal.

Next month, he's embarking on a nationwide "Flight for the Human Spirit" that's meant to inspire millions with the message: "It's never EVER too late to follow your dreams."

Combs, 53, and his wife, Michelle, made a test flight to Salina Municipal Airport on Wednesday in preparation for a 19,400-mile, 50-state tour to share his story. The goal is to touch 20 million lives during his 40 flight days and 135 stops. Factoring in weather delays, Combs said he could be gone up to 75 days.

"I want to show people what you can do if you believe in your dreams enough," Combs said.

Battling a heart ailment for years, Combs had thought flying would be impossible, but oxygen therapy and a move to a lower altitude -- Denver to Dallas -- improved his condition.

"I promised myself I would get better and live my life with no regret," Combs said.

The author and life coach had been laid off from his job with a virtual tour company in December 2008 and started pursuing his dream "with nothing."

He was determined to learn to fly and then tell others to go after their passions.

"We can all make excuses, can't we?" Combs said. "The question is, will you regret it? I would have if I had not strapped into the airplane and flew."

His first flight was in mid-April.

Begin in the middle

Rather than start on one coast and fly to the other, Combs opted to begin in the center. The Salina Municipal sports a two-mile runway, along with some aviation history.

"One of my great inspirations was Steve Fossett," Combs said. Fossett, who died in a 2007 plane crash, was a world-renowned aviator and adventurer who set a number of world records. In 2005, he made the first solo nonstop circumnavigation of the world -- in 67 hours -- piloting the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. The takeoff and landing were at the Salina airport.

"I got a little weepy landing today," Combs said.

He intends to set six world aviation distance records on the flight for light sport aircraft.

Combs's trip is funded by donations and co-sponsors in each area. He has yet to collect any sponsorships from the Salina area. For $10 you can have your name in a notebook that will remain in the cargo hold, even when the plane is eventually donated to a museum.

How to reach Hawaii

The plane, a two-passenger Remos GX light sport aircraft -- named Hope One -- was donated by German manufacturer Remos. The plane has a top speed of 153 mph and can fly up to 15,000 feet, burning about five gallons of fuel an hour. Bose Acoustics is another co-sponsor.

To reach all 50 states, Combs will have to load the light plane onto a ship or another aircraft to visit Hawaii. The Remos GX's wings can be folded for transport.

Combs plans to update his Web site -- www.flighths.com -- daily. A satellite tracking system will keep tabs on the aircraft's location.

n Reporter Tim Unruh can be reached at 822-1419 or by e-mail at tunruh@salina.com.

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