My name is Colin Coombes.  I am 40 years old and ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to fly.  Growing up in Krugersdorp, I did not have any opportunity to reach for the sky until one day I was given a shot at it by Mr Jood van Staden in 1995 flying in his beloved Piper Cherokee 180.  I was fortunate to join the South African Air Force in 1997 but not before struggling for 3 years to get selected.  After completing Pilot’s course on the Pilatus Astra in 1999, I was afforded the opportunity to become an instructor in 2000 and also to join the fighter line in 2002. I loved flying the Impala and in 2005, I was fortunate to be part of the initial cadre phasing in the BAe Hawk Mk120 into the SAAF. My fulltime Air Force career came to an end in 2007 but I am still lucky enough to fly the Hawk as a reserve force instructor training new fighter pilots in the SAAF.  My fulltime job now involves flying Pilatus PC12 and Piper Meridian for clients owning their own aircraft.  To date I have accumulated 4600 hours.  I am proud to be able to assist in this wonderful venture to bring aviation to young children, as this is an opportunity we are able to give someone that I would’ve loved as a kid.