In the build-up to World War II aeroplanes in Germany were predominantly used for military training, and Kunath found it difficult to find aircraft to fly. Instead, in 1938, she took up gliding and founded a women's gliding group, which she led until 1943. With the outbreak of war, women were asked to transport aeroplanes or instruct pilots, however Kunath declined these positions. Instead she trained young women as pilots in Wildeshausen and Garstedt.
