Joyce Woods

Although she married a pilot and fulfilled assigned crew duties, Joyce never contemplated learning to fly until husband Art’s instrument flight instructor persisted, asking “when are YOU going to start?”  Thanks to her, Joyce got her PPL in 1994 and holds multi-engine, complex, SUAS, and instrument ratings.  She actively performs owner maintenance on their aircraft.

A retired engineer, she’s now dedicated to leading volunteer activities which enrich and grow the general aviation community.  She first got involved with EAA in Michigan before she and Art retired and moved back west.  Joyce thrives in EAA’s culture of volunteerism which engages members in activities which strengthen aviation.  She says, “I love how EAA’s chapters attract “can do” people, and bring together the local aviation community.”

Joyce is involved in multiple aviation organizations in New Mexico and currently serves as a Director for Chapter 179.  She flies Young Eagles, maintains the chapter website, and is active in Chapter 179’s publicity, fundraising, and youth outreach. Inspired by Michigan based Chapter 1093, she initiated Albuquerque Chapter 179’s “Double Eagle Aviation Academy”, aimed at cultivating a next generation of aviators.  After five years, the week-long day program for teens demonstrates the impact of sharing and replicating EAA chapter successes.

Joyce admires the support EAA provides chapters through Young Eagles, event insurance, and chapter management, and is committed to help make that support even better.  She believes that sharing successful processes across chapters will help EAA grow participation in aviation.