Feet Flight

Air Safety Week, Nov 10, 2008

Born with no arms, Jessica Cox, a motivational speaker from Tucson, AZ, was certified recently by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the first pilot ever to fly with her feet only with no use of prosthetic devices or airplane modifications.

"My goal was to conquer a fear of flying and show people that through determination they can overcome their emotional and physical constraints," said Cox.

From infancy her feet became her hands. Like all children, Cox went through the various stages of development. Cox learned to feed herself and write with her feet. Throughout childhood, she participated in many activities including swimming and tap dancing, and earned a black belt in tae kwon-do.

"Putting in contact lenses, washing and brushing my hair, and fixing breakfast in the morning are all tasks that come second-nature to me as they would to anyone else," says Cox.

In 2006, Cox began flight instruction, training in Spruce Creek, FL, and Torrance, CA. After receiving a scholarship from Able Flight, she continued her training in San Manuel, AZ.

"Jessica had the deep passion to learn and fly. We spent hours learning safety measures and flying maneuvers. She was an excellent student. I am extremely proud of her," said one of her instructors.

Cox now intends on becoming a sport pilot instructor to pass on the privilege and joy of flying to others.

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