Yesterday he did just that, taking Isaac Stocker into the sky for the maiden voyage of the Uplift in Kind programme.
Founded by Mr McCombe, the programme aimed to give unwell and underprivileged children the opportunity to fly over their home towns on a scenic flight.
He said seeing hardship while flying patients to Starship Hospital motivated him.
"You do see some crook little kiddies so I think it definitely contributed to the idea."
Mr McCombe’s company DJets would sponsor the programme initially, with the hope a network of pilots would get on board across the country.
He reached out to Make-A-Wish about the flight, who suggested Isaac. The 8-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2018, but would be two years in remission in April.
Isaac said he was excited to be taking part in the hour-long flight around Dunedin — including over his home and school — with his brother and father.
Isaac’s mother, Tamsyn Park, said her family was shocked by the generosity of people.
"With everything that’s happened to Isaac there have been so many people willing to give up their time. It’s amazing."
Mr McCombe hoped private and commercial operators of planes would come forward and join Uplift in Kind.
