By air or by road? Those are the questions sport pilot Michael Combs is pondering as the Flight for the Human Spirit prepares to arrive in Oshkosh, Wis., for next week’s appearance at EAA AirVenture.
Combs has pledged to fly to or in all 50 states in a Remos GX. He had originally planned to fold the Remos’ wings and trailer it through Canada to Alaska—a trip of about 1,000 miles. Private pilots who fly into Canada must have a valid medical certificate, and, according to Combs, “The Canadian government has made strides to allow sport pilots to fly into Canada” so long as they have a valid third class medical. But, he added, many sport pilots don’t have one since it isn’t a requirement in the United States.
Fans have urged Combs to fly into Canada, Combs says, because “Canadians have dreams too.” To do that, he would need to have a private pilot who would fly with him as pilot in command, or he would need to get a waiver from the Canadian government. The application for the waiver costs $475. Combs is working on both options, and has asked interested Canadian pilots to contact him.
If you’re planning to attend AirVenture, you can hear Combs talk about the Flight for the Human Spirit. See the complete schedule here. Follow Combs’ progress via his website or AOPA Online.
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