North Texan Inspires Millions To Live Their Dreams

North Texan Inspires Millions To Live Their Dreams

DENTON (CBS 11 / TXA 21) - What would you do if you faced with death, but were given a second chance at life? A North Texas man decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and inspire 20 million people. 
Michael Combs decided to become a pilot. He's already flown to 40 states and his goal is to reach all 50 with a simple message: It's never too late to follow your dreams.
Combs was in Texas this day, having landed at airports in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi. He ended his day in Denton and will fly next to Wichita Falls and Amarillo.
Combs, 53, is still a new pilot. After earning his Sport Pilot License last October, he's only flown 300 hours. In April, he started his 50-state tour which he calls 'The Flight for the Human Spirit.' He has the name printed as a logo on the side of his plane. The Remos GX Light Sport aircraft is a small, two-seater without much leg room or space for carryon luggage.
His lifelong dream of flying only became a reality after he was faced with death. It happened in 2003. Combs suffered from a heart condition and one day his heart stopped. "You know when people talk about the tunnel, that's definitely true," said Combs.
Combs said he had an encounter with God when he died. "He said two words: It's time." Combs recalled that at the time he thought that meant it was his time to die. But then, he didn't. "When you hear those words and you know the authority behind them, it really makes you think. I promised myself that when I got better, I was going to live my life with no regrets. That's really how the Flight for the Human Spirit was born," he said.
Combs' project has already inspired North Texas Jacov Marom. Marom has been following Combs journey on the internet. "I can see him almost every night and I'm following him and it's really exciting," said Marom who, along with his family, greeted Combs at the Denton airport.
Marom, 56, has heart problems too and the same dream. "To be a pilot by myself," he said.
Combs has some advice for everyday living. "We all need to live this day like it's our last. Because each one of us our heart will stop someday and you don't want to have those regrets."
Combs has 10 more states and 8,000 more miles to go. By the time he's finished, he will have reached millions with his message. He will also have set six world records and made aviation history.
Anyone interested in following Comb's travels can click here and follow it on his website. 

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