Nancy Batson Crews was an air transport pilot, flight instructor, air traffic controller, World War II ferry pilot and post-war competition pilot. Nancy was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 1, 1920. After attending public schools in Birmingham she was awarded a B.A. degree from the University of Alabama. Her first solo flight was in 1940 while enrolled in the pre-war civilian pilot training program at the University. She was an instructor pilot in powered aircraft prior to World War II. During the war she was a ferry pilot for the U.S. Army Air Corps (Women's Auxiliary Ferry Squadron). Following the war she instructed in gliders. She also participated in several national races for women (Powder Puff Derby). After serving as mayor of California City, California 1979-1981, Nancy resumed her illustrious flying career in Alabama in 1982.