The love of aviation began early for Janice Brown, as she was born into an Air Force family on June 7, 1948. As an "air force brat" she spent her childhood living all over the world and developed a lifelong love of travel and adventure. Janice received a BS degree from California State Polytechnic University and a teaching credential from California Lutheran College.

Janice was married for 25 years to the late Nash Brown and it was Nash who gave her wings when he gifted her with flying lessons. She received her pilot's certificate in 1975. They enjoyed many pleasurable hours, sharing the pilot/co-pilot responsibilities in their small plane. Nash was proud of Janice's many accomplishments which include air racing, flight instruction, air charter, private pilot service, soaring and experimental test flights.

The greatest adventure in her aviation career occurred in 1980-81 when Janice was selected from a wide field of applicants (highly qualified men and women) to pilot the world's first solar powered aircraft. The Gossamer Penguin was the brainchild of Dr. Paul MacCready. Janice' s first test flight in the Gossamer Penguin took place at Shafter's Minner Field. The plane traveled a whopping 15 feet. After some 60 flights, continuous structural modifications and more training for Janice, the Penguin's last flight from the NASA- Dryden facility at Edwards Air Force Base traversed a distance of two miles at an altitude of 15 feet. These flights were in preparation for the big event. Janice won the honor of piloting Dr. MacCready's finest innovation, The Solar Challenger in December of 1980. The Challenger more closely resembled traditional aircraft and was designed to reach higher altitudes and endure flights of longer duration. Ms. Brown attained the altitude record of 15,300 feet early in 1981. Her courage as a test pilot and her record flights were internationally recognized as pioneering efforts and culminated with the presentation by President Ronald Reagan of the coveted Harmon Award for exceptional feats in aviation.

Janice's courage was tested once again, when Nash was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As with their passion for piloting, Janice and Nash decided to support each other in this last challenge. Janice cared for Nash during his illness and was at his side, in their home, when he passed away.

Currently Janice is the owner- operator of J.B. Flying Service. More importantly she is a kindergarten teacher in the Bakersfield City Unified School District. In her own words, "I feel very fortunate to have piloted the first solar aircraft. It was wonderful to be involved with a project that demonstrated the great potential of the solar cell as a viable energy source. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to fly those highly technical and imaginative aircraft. My greatest fulfillment, however, comes from the incredible joy I feel each day touching the lives of children as a classroom teacher. They are truly our future".