October 20, 2008 — Put your feet up.
To most people, that saying means it’s time to relax. But Jessica Cox takes those words literally with everything she does.
While Cox was born without arms, it hasn’t stopped her from living a normal life — typing on the computer, driving a car, even earning her Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do.
Add one more accomplishment to that list. Cox, 25, of Tucson, Arizona, became the first person without arms to earn a Sport Pilot Certificate when on October 10, she passed her checkride in an Ercoupe 415C using only her feet to manipulate the controls.
Cox spent several months training with instructor Parrish Traweek after winning an Able Flight scholarship. Able Flight’s mission is to offer people with disabilities a unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance.
Since the Ercoupe design has no rudder pedals, no special modifications were required for Cox to fly it. The rudder and aileron systems are linked, and both are controlled with a single control yoke. The yoke also controls nosewheel steering on the ground.
“I highly encourage people with disabilities to consider flying,” Cox said. “It not only empowers you but also helps others realize that people with disabilities are adept at attaining privileges that a small percentage of society takes part in. It helps reverse the stereotype that people with disabilities are powerless into the belief that they are powerful and capable of setting high goals and achieving them.”
Cox works as a motivational speaker and is writing a book about her life. To see a video on her and her philosophy — never let your fears get in the way of opportunities — click here.
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Using her foot, Jessica Cox puts on her headphones prior to a flight. Photo: www.rightfooted.com
Jessica Cox does a preflight check.
Photo: www.rightfooted.com
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