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"THE FLYING BRYANTS"

During the "Early Bird" era in aviation, when flying was being demonstrated by spectacular exhibitions at fairs, carnivals, and specially arranged meets, among the most prominent flyers in the northwestern United States were the Bryants, who flew under the management of Fred A. Bennett. They used machines of the Curtiss type and attained prominence in many cities along the Pacific Coast and Canada, as skillful and daring pilots.  Mrs. Bryant flew under her maiden name and established a number of records and the distinction of being the first woman to fly in Canada.  Her husband, John Milton Bryant, licensed as pilot No. 208, made a number of notable flights but was unfortunately killed on his 600th ascent in a crash of his airplane at Victoria, British Columbia, August 6, 1913.  Frank Bryant was also quite prominent as a flier but has since retired from active flying.  

Mrs. Bryant learned to fly in December, 1912, at Los Angeles, under the instruction of Mr. Bennett.  On July 17, 1913, she established a new altitude record for women by ascending 2,900 feet at Seattle. She continued flying after her husband's death and was for a while with the Benoist Company which was noted for its manufacture and operation of flying boats.  During the war Mrs. Bryant rendered valuable service at the Goodyear Company in the construction of airships, and since then has stimulated many aeronautical projects by her interest.

Poster and Photographs
from
Mrs. Alys McKey Bryant