For Judy Rice, falling in love with aviation as a child was easy. Sharing that love and passion with others later in life was natural. However, turning that childhood obsession into a substantive truth was a challenge that had to be overcome. A challenge that took her well into her adult years. But a challenge that was destined to be overcome and ultimately led her to devote many years to enjoying the experience and benefit of not only piloting aircraft but exposing kids of all ages to the excitement of aviation and for many, the fulfillment of a career in aviation.
On July 19th of this year, the industry, which includes many of you reading this, was saddened to learn of her passing. She was a friend and colleague to many of us. What follows is a compilation of articles and thoughts from several sources, including Judy’s daughter-in-law, Adriane, who penned the following as part of Judy’s obituary:
Judith Ann Rice (née Lower) was born on January 17th, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio with a rebellious spirit, sharp mind, intrinsic determination, and wings dutifully forming in her soul. Colloquially known as Captain Judy, the moniker was hard fought and earned. The title of “Captain” by no means defined Judy in totality. However proud of this achievement, Judy’s greatness was defined by her impactful fingerprint on the minds of students around the world united by a shared passion for aviation, regardless of formal education, age, gender, privilege, nationality, or any other labels that seek to divide.
Judy grew up as the middle child of six in Ohio. She recalled her first encounter with aviation was during a hot summer evening when she was about 5 years old. She was lying in her bed which was always up against the window so she could say goodnight to the sky. With the shadows lengthening due to the setting sun, she began to doze off. Suddenly, she heard a loud whoosh – whoosh – whoosh! “I fled from my bed and ran down the stairs as fast I my tiny legs would carry me,” said Judy. “Once outside I looked up and saw a huge balloon with a wicker basket hanging below.” She could see the man in the basket as it passed just over her rooftop. The man hollered down, “What’s wrong little girl, cat got your tongue?” Rice said she was so amazed she couldn’t speak. “It was as though he was standing right beside me!”
The house that Judy grew up in had a huge living room with bookshelves along one wall. After that evening’s experience with the hot air balloon, she would park herself in the corner each day paging through the encyclopedia looking for the balloon and basket contraption. “To my delight, as I searched, I found all sorts of flying machines,” Judy recalled. “Once I found a lady standing on top of the wing of a small airplane and I remember saying to myself, ‘Someday, someday I will do that!’”
In 1st grade Judy discovered that she was the only one in her class that dreamt about flying. One day her teacher smiled and nodded, telling her, “Honey, you are a girl. Good girls do not fly.” Horrified, she ran home and asked her parents if this was true. “My parents reassured me that in fact, good girls do not fly,” said Rice. “Crushed, I decided to keep my dream all to myself. Instead, I was encouraged to be a good girl, raise a family and have a respectful profession for a lady, like a teacher.” (Photo at right – Judy in her Florida hangar with Chuck, her beloved fire engine red Grumman Yankee in the background. Photo by Kim Stevens)
Judy did become a teacher and thought she had kept her dream to fly a secret until as a mom, her 9-year-old son asked her one day why she never learned to fly. “I was astounded not realizing I had shared my hidden dream with him,” said Judy. “He then proceeded to tell me that he wanted to learn how to fly. For his 10th birthday, I surprised him with an introductory flight lesson and he in turn surprised me with a flight lesson! That was it, I was hooked.”
Judy began taking flight lessons on weekends while teaching and being a mom. She found it to be extremely difficult. “I have always had to squeeze flying into life, which is always more challenging,” Judy said in an interview. “I have also always had issues with math – still do.” Judy shared that it takes her twice as long as others to earn any certificate or rating. She told students, “If I can do it, so can you! Do not compare yourself to others. So, what if it takes you longer. Most importantly, focus, do the work, and don’t give up.”
Judy said it took a lot of work gaining the confidence that she could fly. After all, she had been told all her life that it wasn’t for her. “Flying gave me confidence, changing my life forever more,” said Judy. “Once I learned to fly, my life changed even more after noticing the power of aviation with my special education students.”
Working as a special education specialist in the early 1990s with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in Mora, Minnesota, Judy found herself searching for classroom materials on aviation that she could use in her classroom. Her students discovered that Judy was learning to fly and would do anything she asked, if she talked about flying. During that same time, Judy’s son was also learning to fly. Keeping her son interested in his dream to become a pilot, and noticing the power that aviation held on some of the toughest students in her class, made Judy realize that she was on to something. However, her research had led to very little classroom friendly materials for teachers and students. “I knew I had to do something,” said Rice.
It was through her research for good aviation related materials that led her to NCAE, now the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). “I wanted to witness firsthand what it was all about and what they had to offer in regard to aviation education,” said Rice. Motivated, she saved up enough for a flight across the country. “The meeting I attended exceeded my expectations and at the same time I met a lifetime of colleagues and friends.” From that first meeting, NCASE has been by her side throughout all of her aviation education endeavors.
After spending many years involved with NCASE, the last five as NCASE President, Judy stepped down from the position to concentrate on her flight instructing career in Florida. She continued, however, to be a cheerleader for the organization. “As I grew in my career from classroom teacher to aviation educator, I also grew with NCASE,” said Rice. “It was an honor to volunteer my time when asked to join the board, then vice president, and with shaky knees as President.” Rice said it was through Ken Cook’s mentoring during her vice presidency that she accepted the honorable position as President. He was always there for her and NCASE,” said Rice. “He’s an amazing person and colleague.”
Captain Judy has logged thousands of hours in many types of aircraft in the last 30 years of her life. She became an instrument rated commercial, multi-engine, and Citation-type rated pilot, an advanced ground instructor, and certified flight instructor.
Photo by Kim Stevens.
Surrounding these achievements were the jobs that paid the bills, earned her respect among peers, and, most importantly, planted seeds in the minds of our youth. Her career as an aerospace educator included tenure as President of the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE), Deputy Director for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in Aerospace Education, Executive Director of youth education for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and as an author of educational materials for the National 4-HAerospace curriculum project. Judy managed to coordinate the largest air show event for youth, KidVenture, something she was immensely proud to be an integral part of, along with her time as director for two national aerospace conferences.
Somehow, these achievements were not seen as a career apex for Judy, or something to be content with. Judy’s dreams were SO much larger than this very important work. Eventually, Judy decided that she wanted to deliver the message that STEAM education is essential to achieve feats of greatness, especially among young girls — a demographic that traditionally has fallen behind their male counterparts in standardized testing. Captain Judy set out to showcase these critical subject matters by presenting herself as a living example to these disciplines and thus, the Think Global Flight concept was imagined into being.
Armed with her tenacity, persuasion, and hard work — and along with her long-time mentor, friend, and navigator, Fredrick Nauer — they set out to raise money for an around-the-world flight that would allow children to follow Captain Judy as she circumnavigated the globe. In 2014, Fred and Captain Judy embarked on their campaign to raise awareness, support, and funding for this ambitious venture while beta testing software that would bring the flight into the classrooms and homes of anyone and everyone who wished to follow along. They reached more than 10,000 students through this delivery method and the project was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Education as a platform for providing real-world application for learning.
In 2015, Captain Judy took flight in a Cessna Citation Mustang CE-510 to visit 35 countries, along the way reaching over 20,000 students, many of whom were young girls. Special guest and Think Global ambassador, Astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin, joined Captain Judy on this flight, along with co-pilots and Citation owners Dr. John Friedman and Edwin Sahakian, who so graciously donated their aircraft to be used on this inspiring flight. Dr. Buzz Aldrin endorsed Captain Judy’s mission by telling the State Aviation Journal, “Back when I was privileged to be a part of the Apollo program, no one had ever heard of STEAM. This is the precise focus of Think Global Flight and why I strongly support Captain Judy and the flight. I witnessed the differences Captain Judy created on this historic flight.”
“So many people have Judy Rice stories – some which can be told, and some not.” Lisa Bacon, an NCASE Board Member, remembers meeting Judy and wondering how so much energy can be contained in such a small person. “Today, I am still amazed by her energy and enthusiasm,” said Lisa. “Judy talked to me a lot about her dream to fly around the world spreading the joy of flight and STEAM. She wanted to get to places that did not have an abundance of resources or role models.”
The THINK GLOBAL dream was born with many people and sponsors believing in Judy. She put together an amazing educational team, and Lisa was proud to be a part of it. “After all, who but Judy would want to fly around the world with a stuffed pig who had a dream to fly – and realized with the right equipment, anyone could?” Lisa recalled that Judy was so excited to tell us the “back stories” of the pictures she sent back and of all the countless students who turned out to greet her plane when it touched down. “They soaked up all the things she said and left behind for them to remember,” recalled Lisa.
Lisa also remembers that there were moments when she got emails from Judy when red tape and plain “stupidness” got in the way of her mission. “She had moments of being tired and realizing that she had not chosen an easy path,” recalled Lisa. “But what I loved about Judy, like the little engine that could, she backed up and tried other paths to meet her goal. Judy was a role model and a friend to my daughter, who wanted to learn how to fly. She was so upset when she heard that Judy was gone, even though she had not seen or talked to her in many years. That is the Judy I know and love – always leaving her mark on your heart and head.”
Judy finished her storied career at Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Flying and sharing the experience of flight with others is what motivated Judy each day. “I have no less than 20 students a day, some from the USA, and many from over 21 different countries,” Judy said in an interview. “I bring my world flight experience and knowledge as a flight instructor to each new student.” Most students were not much older than 20, far from home and first time away from home. “I am their first contact,” said Judy, “And many times also became 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 Judy. “Even in the harshest countries, aviation is an international shared joy.”
A much-loved figure on campus, Judy taught out of the Bessie Coleman classroom and now her own name has a special place at the entrance to the library named in her honor. Items that showcase Judy’s outstanding career have found a home with Epic and will be respectfully displayed so that students can still be inspired by her, learn from her, and retreat toa place of quiet reflection for those who knew and loved her.
At Epic, they were constantly being told of Judy’s caring approach to her role as a teacher from students of varying nationalities. Judy stepped in and fulfilled the role of “American Mom” or “Bonus Mom” for those who were having difficulty adjusting to life in a foreign country, those who were homesick, students who experienced difficulties within their coursework, or those who simply needed some extra attention. Judy instinctively knew who needed a maternal figure and adeptly picked up on those who were struggling with communication or culture shock — without diminishing their dignity. We are so inspired that Judy shared her amazing instinct for nurturing with those who most needed it. We kept reiterating to her in her final days that a part of her will live on in every student she has touched throughout the years, and that is a legacy to be unendingly proud of. Her greatness maybe wasn’t born in a historical context, but it most definitely was competently achieved, and has certainly been thrust upon her by those who needed her to be great.
Captain Judy earned many awards over her 30 years in the aerospace education sector, including, but not limited to: State of Minnesota Governor’s Certificate of Commendation by the Minnesota Council for Quality in 1996, recognition for “Soaring Above and Beyond” with her work on the 4-H curriculum project from 1995-1997, Wisconsin Aerospace Education Award in2000, the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education Crown Circle Award for Evidence of Extraordinary Accomplishment in a leadership role in Aerospace Education in2001, the Balloon Federation of America award for the Promotion of the Air Sport of Ballooning in 2001, the V.L. Laursen Award for the Achievement of Teaching Excellence in Collegiate Aviation Education from the University Aviation Association in 2005, the Medal of Merit by the Air Force Association for Distinguished Service to the Air Force Association in 2005, the Exceptional Service Award from the Air Force Association in Grateful Appreciation of Significant Contributions to the Air Force Association in 2007, the Dr. Mervin K. Strickler Jr. Aviation Education Leadership Award for her personal commitment and lifelong contribution to aviation education from the National Coalition for Aviation (and Space) Education in 2007, certificate from the Trinidad & Tobago Civil Aviation Authority in Recognition of Invaluable Contribution to STEM Aviation Summer Camp in 2013, named Woman Pilot Ambassador by Woman Pilot Magazine, and the Excellence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Promoting Aerospace Education in America’s Schools by the Civil Air Patrol.
“All Judy’s awards and accolades are not only well deserved,” says NCASE President Rol Murrow, “but they also reflect just the tip of the iceberg of all her achievements in building programs and personally engaging young people in order to inspire them to be the best and most accomplished people they can possibly be. She carried her message through KidVenture, through her work for many organizations, through challenging and exciting teachers through NCASE, through her providing hundreds of Young Eagle Flights to youth in “Chuck,” her beloved fire engine red Grumman Yankee, and by earning a multiengine turbine type rating in order to fly a jet and inspire countless more all around the world to discover the magic of flight. Now they and we can all remember her in every sunrise and sunset, soaring above the clouds and enjoying what she loved so much.”
In honor of Judy’s memory, a scholarship has been designated by Epic Flight Academy to help students achieve their dreams in the same way that Judy was able to achieve hers. Proceeds from Judy’s book, Around the World with Captain Judy Rice, available at Epic or on Amazon.com, will be designated to this fantastic scholarship opportunity. In addition, anyone who wishes to send a memorial, please send directly to:
Captain Judy Scholarship Epic Flight Academy 600 Skyline Dr. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
To learn more about the Captain Judy Rice scholarship, please visit https://epicflightacademy.com/aviation-scholarship/
To learn more about the life and career of Captain Judy Rice, please visit www.captainjudy.com
