Alys McKey Bryant

Alys McKey Bryant ( McKey; 1880–1954) was an American aviator. She was the first woman to fly on the Pacific Coast and in Canada, and one of the few female members of the Early Birds of Aviation—individuals who had solo piloted an aircraft prior to December 17, 1916. She set an altitude record for women, and trained pilots during World War I.

Early life Bryant was born in rural Indiana on April 28, 1880. She was one of three siblings, raised alone by their father after their mother's early death. She attended Valparaiso University. By 1911, she had become a home economics teacher in California. At the time of being signed on, she had never flown before, which was not uncommon during the time. Most pilots had to teach themselves to fly.

Bryant's first paid exhibition flight took place at the Blossom Festival in Yakima, Washington, on May 3, 1913.

On a trip to Vancouver, she flew in an exhibition for Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother George, Duke of York – both future Kings of England. Heading even further north, she became the first woman to fly in Canada on July 31, 1913. Her flight was part of an airshow at Minoru Park in Richmond, British Columbia. A local paper reported that she "delighted the crowd by the clever manner in which she handled the plane [in] dips, rolls, figure eights and other evolutions of a like nature." due to strong winds, There, she expressed her belief that she too would someday be killed in a plane crash, and told the press:"Some of the happiest moments of my life were spent flying together. He taught me all I know of the aviation game and was always so proud that I knew as much as I did. His confidence helped me to do what I have already done, and the knowledge of it is going to help me this year. When it comes my time to go, I want to go the way that Johnny did. There will be no uncertainty about that sort of a finish. I would prefer that to a minor accident that would leave one helpless, to live, or half live, for years, useless in the world." There, she built and prepared airplane parts, assisted aviator Thomas W. Benoist in designing new aircraft, and taught flying lessons.

Bryant boxed to keep in shape and prided herself on leading an athletic life. She enjoyed outdoor sports and motorcycling.

Bryant died on September 6, 1954. She was seventy-four years old.