NCASE Continued from page 37 that it wasn’t for her. “Flying gave me confidence, changing my life forever more,” said Rice. “Once I learned to fly, my life changed even more after noticing the power of aviation with my special education students.” Today, flying and sharing the experience of flight with others is what motivates Rice each day. “I have no less than 20 students a day, some from the USA, and many from over 21 different countries,” said Rice. “I bring my world flight experience and knowledge as a flight instructor to each new student.” Most students are not much older than 20, far from home and first time away from home. “I am their first contact and many times also become mom.” Seeing a student’s eyes light up as they understand a concept or gain confidence, and watching them grow as a person and a pilot is gratifying for Rice. No matter where in the world a student pilot may be from, Rice believes we all share the passion of the air. “It doesn’t matter the type of vehicle (fixed wing, helicopter, glider, etc.); it doesn’t matter what the country’s politics are, or the local language – as soon as you arrive in a flying machine you are family,” said Rice. “Even in the harshest countries, aviation is an international shared joy.”
In 2015 Rice flew around the world to promote the importance of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Education and the boundless opportunities in aviation and aerospace industries worldwide. This international in-flight effort labeled ThinkGlobalFlight, cultivated, promoted, and inspired a greater awareness and interest in S.T.E.A.M. for students by way of an around-the-world flight of adventure. “It took 10 years of planning and was worth every moment,” said Rice. When asked about her mentors, Rice, without a blink, named Fred Nauer, Ken Cook, Lee Siudzinski, and Dick Rutan. “These great people came into my life when I began this new dream of aviation education,” said Rice. “In part, I am who I am because of these four gentlemen.” Rice hopes to visit and fly in Africa, one of the few remaining countries that has always held a fascination for her since she was very young, and when she’s not in the air or thinking about it, she also enjoys gardening and scuba diving. “I believe everything happens for a reason,” said Rice. “I have experienced an amazing life through a lot of hard work.” Rice says she jumps out of bed each day, eager to share what an amazing life is ahead for everyone, regardless of age, if we just focus and work toward our dreams. “Dreams grow - As mine.”
In April of 2014 Captain Judy flew the Cirrus to Lakeland, Florida, one of her stops during Sun n’ Fun. Students were disadvantaged, inner city from Orlando that she spoke with about working toward their dreams.
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NASAO/State Aviation Journal
Fall 2018