You don’t need wings to fly…Jessica Cox became the first pilot with no arms, proving you don’t need ‘wings’ to fly. She is not your average pilot. She even learned how to fly a plane with her feet. The psychology graduate can write, type, drive a car, brush her hair and talk on her phone simply using her feet. Ms Cox, from Tuscon, Arizona, USA, is also a former dancer and double black belt in Tai Kwon-Do. She has a no-restrictions driving license, she flies planes and she can type 25 words a minute. Great Jessica. You are an inspiration to me!!
“Jessica Cox was born without arms. The doctors do not know why she was born “differently-abled.” But she does. Jessica has made achievements with her feet that most people only dream of. Now she shares her story with people around the world.”
JESSICA COX CAREER:-
Jessica Cox flew in a single engine airplane for the first time via Wright Flight in 2005. Cox earned her pilot’s certificate on October 10, 2008, after three years of training, and is qualified to fly a light-sport aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet. She received her flight training through an Able Flight scholarship and soloed under the instruction of Parrish Traweek.
Jessica has learned to live her life with her feet
Jessica Cox’s Sport Pilot Certificate is for an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe which the Federal Aviation Administration has designated a light sport aircraft. Designed in the 1940s, the Ercoupe was built without rudder pedals. Instead, the rudder is interconnected with the ailerons through the yoke. This unique design allows Cox to control the airplane with one foot controlling the yoke while the other foot controls the throttle.
At the age of 10, Cox began training in taekwondo at a school in her home town of Sierra Vista. At the age of 14, she earned her first black belt. While in college at the University of Arizona Cox restarted her taekwondo training at an American Taekwondo Association club on campus. In an effort to help future students without the use of arms the instructors created an entire training curriculum by modifying the standard material from the ATA. For example, instead of a punch Cox executes a knee strike.Cox has since gone on to earn her Second and Third Degree black belts in the ATA. Cox has also earned the title of 2014 Arizona State Champion in forms. It should be noted that she did not compete in a special abilities ring.
Know About Jessica’s Cox- Jessica has learned to live her life with her feet
- Jessica’s flexibility in her legs and dexterity with her toes allow her to put on her own makeup.
- At the age of 14 Jessica earned her first black belt in the ITF. While in college, she earned a second black belt in the American Taekwondo Association. Jessica continues to train in the ATA and currently holds the rank of Second Degree Black Belt and Trainee Instructor.
- While Jessica lives in the deserts of Arizona, she learned to surf while on vacation in Hawaii.
Jessica is a certified scuba diver. - Jessica has appeared on camera for organizations such as Fox and Friends, CNN, The Ellen Show, Inside Edition, Beyond Belief, ABS-CBN, Power ng Pinoy, GMA, Hooplaha, AOPA Live, and FAA Focus.
- In 2011 Jessica spoke to hundreds of students in Ghana.
- Jessica has personally impacted people in 18 countries around the world.
- Guinness World Record: Jessica Cox, the first woman to fly an airplane with her feet gained her pilot’s license on 10 October 2008 in spite of being born without arms.
- Jessica is known in the pilot community for flying the unique Ercoupe Airplane.
- One of Jessica’s personal heroes was Amelia Earhart.
- Jessica has an unrestricted Arizona driver’s license.
- Jessica has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She wrote papers and completed tests with a pencil between her toes.
Cox works as a motivational speaker and has shared her message in 20 different countries.
In 2014 Cox competed in the 40 mile segment of El Tour de Tucson.
In 2015 Cox published an autobiographical self-help book, “Disarm Your Limits” . in order to inspire people to overcome their own challenges through the lessons she has learned in her life.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- Plane and Pilot Magazine’s 10 Best Pilots, 2013
- Inspiration Award for Women: Most Aspirational, 2012 USA; Inspiration International, 2013 UK
- Guinness World Record: The First Armless Person in the World Ever to Have Obtained a Pilot’s License, 2011
- AOPA LIVE Pilots Choice Award 2010: Most Watched Female Aviator
Published in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 2009
