A photo of Larry Rice with his Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot AwardIn honor of his exceptional record, SBVC instructor Larry Rice has been recognized with the Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, given to pilots who have practiced safe flight operations for 50 years or more. The Yucaipa resident started flying in 1969, when he was 18 years old. He began attending San Bernardino Valley College, where he joined the SBVC Flying Club.

As a part of this organization, Rice provided flight instruction for other students and participated in National Intercollegiate Flight Competitions in California, Illinois, and Arizona. Rice became a certified flight instructor in 1971, and earned an associate degree in business and aeronautics from SBVC. After graduation, he attended California State University, San Bernardino where he earned bachelors and master’s degrees in business.

His passion for flying continued — he spent 33 years with Kaman Bearing and Supply Company, working in pilot and management positions, and is an adjunct professor at SBVC, teaching private pilot, instrument, and weather classes.