Jamie writes:

Donnita Hall was, as we understand, the first female HG pilot in
the world. She began flying on flat ski kites towed behind waterski boats , then
moved into foot launching with her husband of the time Dave Kilborne. She built
her own gliders and survived that, no small feat in those days.

Many US flying sites were pioneered by Donnita and Dave. Donnita has always been
an ambassador for free flight. Not long after moving to San Diego in the 80's,
she was instrumental in helping keep Torrey Pines (and world renown and highly
visible hang gliding, paragliding and sailplane site) open to flight. Over the
following years she welcomed and briefed hundreds of new to Torrey Pines pilots.
Her friendly demeanor and emphasis on safety was appreciated by all.

Several years ago when the call went out for help from the US Foundation for
Freeflight, Donnita stepped up, quickly becoming the Executive Director, where
she serves to this day. The Foundation for Freeflight is a US nonprofit
foundation dedicated to preserving hang gliding and paragliding in the US
through, among other things, providing grants to the US National Team allowing
pilots to attend Category 1 hang gliding and paragliding events around the
world.

Over the years, Donnita has provided huge support to the US women’s team
enabling them to compete in the Women’s world championships in Monte Cucco -
Italy, Florida - USA, Tegelberg - Germany and Forbes - Australia. Although now
retired from active flight her pioneering involvement, support and inspiration
continues and she would be a worthy recipient of the CIVL Hang Gliding Diploma.