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Terri Donner, who used her ’81 Amelia Earhart Scholarship to earn her multi-engine rating and went on to a career with UPS since 1989, has been named to the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame in Lexington Kentucky.
In delivering the award the judges were impressed by Donner’s work in “spearheading an outstanding and innovative program introducing hundreds of young girls to aviation through the Girl Scout Aviation Day in the Louisville area, and a life of achievements for Donner with her support for women as aviation professionals.”
“I feel humbled and honoured to be inducted in the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame,” said Donner. “I’ve seen the fruits of my efforts in females starting their aviation journey. Some of the girl scouts have become pilots with regional airlines. I’m hopeful the trickle-down effect will increase the overall percentage of females seeking careers and adventures in aviation.”
In 1981 she won the Amelia Earhart Scholarship for her multi-engine rating; 1987 Kentucky CFI of the Year; and in 2011 the 99s Award of Inspiration. Donner has honoured her scholarship and awards from the Ninety-Nines by giving back. For over 30 years she has served as the chair for the Kentucky Bluegrass 99s Earhart Scholarship selection committee and as treasurer.
In 2019 Donner’s son Nick was hired by UPS and together they have worked as Captain and F/O on the A300, the only mother/son qualified crew on transport category aircraft.
“The Ninety-Nines was created by the women fliers who in 1929 recognized the need for support and camaraderie, the need to encourage other females to consider aviation for both, as a career and for the fun of flying. Terri Donner exemplifies the roles we can play in encouraged young females to look towards the sky for their future,” exclaimed Corbi Bulluck, president of the Ninety-Nines.
The Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame has recognized 49 Kentuckians to date. Honouring WASPs and warriors, executives and designers, instructors and astronauts, statesman and spies.
Donner is part of the 25th Enshrinement class into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame. Due to the interruptions caused by COVID public health restrictions, a formal induction ceremony will be held at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky in Lexington in the autumn 2021, on a date to be determined.
