Michael Combs

Michael Combs is an author, composer, fine artist, aviation world-record-setter . . . and a defier of death.

In 2003, Michael died and came back—not just once, but twice in three days. Deprived of oxygen for too long, Michael lost his memory, but this tragedy came with a silver lining . . . losing his memory was a full “mental reset” that miraculously restored his childlike wonder of life.

While he was faced with challenges, he was filled with gratitude and took full advantage of his second chance. Michael rediscovered his relationships with family and friends and relearned everything from his history to the names of colors and the sweet scent of roses. But for each challenge, there was a discovery that fired Michael’s zest for life—genuine, heartfelt thankfulness for each new day. The entire planet was a bold new world to explore, full of opportunity and limitless possibilities. There was a hurdle though, the long road to wellness and the restrictive pains that went with it.

Although the odds of recovery were slim, Michael refused to accept that fate. It took him nearly two years to get back up on his feet and ready to face the world, but Michael was more determined than ever to live, and to live big.

As an escape from the pain, he would often dream of flying, of climbing over the clouds and soaring over beautiful landscapes, weightless and free. With limitless opportunities and a great deal of determination and positive thinking, Michael has expanded his horizons. Since that day in 2003, Michael has become a prolific fine artist (he even spoke at the Dallas Museum of Art), a published author with three inspiring books, a symphonic composer, and he achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.

With his renewed purpose in life, Michael embarked on a mission to inspire 20 million people with the message that “It’s never, ever too late to follow your dreams.” In 2010, The Flight for the Human Spirit began as he took off into the Kansas sky flying a REMOS light sport aircraft on a 50,000-mile adventure into all 50 states. All but Hawaii were completed over the course of five months. The last state, Hawaii, took a little longer, forcing him to dig deep and keep pushing onward. He exhausted every possible avenue until one day, two years after the project had launched, he found himself performing at an airshow in Oahu, Hawaii alongside the Blue Angels, the Red Bull stunt plane and Jacquie B Airshows (one of the few female aerobatic pilots)—his mission complete at last. The adventure led to six aviation world records and an esteemed spot in aviation world history. Not only that but in the end, he exceeded his goal and reached nearly 30 million people with his message of hope.

Determined to squeeze the most out of life and complete his long and always growing “bucket list,” Michael is constantly in motion. Even while enduring setbacks and difficulties, he focuses on what he can do, so that not one day passes without some progress towards his goals, even if it’s simply to believe that they are possible. Michael remains passionate about encouraging others to live life with no regrets and to never, ever give up on their dreams.

Be sure to check out Michael's latest projects at www.FlightHS.com.