A LIFETIME OF CHANCES by Mary Chance VanScyoc

Here is the story of a self-confessed tomboy who rode motorcycles, was a rifle competition champion in her youth, and who recently celebrated her 80th birthday skating in a rink, driving a little motorcycle and a little steam engine. Mary Chance VanScyoc is the country's first female air traffic controller and a multi-rated pilot who learned to fly a helicopter at the age of 64.

She was also a flight instructor and a ferry pilot of light planes. A Ninety-Nine since 1941, she is currently a member of the South Central Section.

She began her air traffic control career in June 1942. She met the acceptance qualifications: a pilot's license and a college education and was one of those trained on the job. In an article she wrote for The 99NEWS, she says, "In the '40s, there were no computers, radar, good radios or navigational systems. There was no ATIS. Each plane was given the wind speed and direction, the altimeter setting and the active runway when receiving taxi clearance..."

This book contains much more. It tells of the adventures of the Chance family. Mary's brother, Harold Chance, founded Chance Amusements in 1949 and it has become the largest manufacturer of amusement rides in the world. It tells the story of her great-grandparents emigrating to America from Norway, of her grandparents, parents and their families, their tribulations and triumphs.

Published:	Parkwood Press, Kansas
Price:	$15.95
ISBN:	0-9649065-0-3
	148 pages 6 x 9, softcover Photographs Copyright 1996
This book can be purchased from:	Kansas Aviation Museum 3350 George Washington Blvd Wichita KS 67210 316-683-9242