Photo from right footed/Instagram
LOS ANGELES – Filipino American trailblazer Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless airplane pilot, has been inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.
Cox, who is based in Arizona, is not only celebrated for her groundbreaking aviation achievements but also for her advocacy work through the Rightfooted Foundation International.
Photo from rightfooted/Instagram
This organization aims to enhance public understanding of disabilities in aviation while creating new opportunities for children, families and aspiring pilots.
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‘Disability does not equate to inability’
Cox has helped highlight the contributions of pilots with disabilities, showing that “disability does not equate to inability,” Patrick Chamberlain, Cox’s husband and inclusive engineering director for the Rightfooted Foundation, told KVOA.
“Jessica’s induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes both what she has accomplished and what she continues to do,” he said.
Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
Founded in 1985 through a joint proclamation by Arizona’s governor, the Pima County Board of Supervisors and the City of Tucson, the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly contributed to aviation and aerospace history.
Cox was honored alongside fellow inductees Frank Schiel Jr. and James K. Johnson at the May 15 ceremony at Pima Air & Space Museum.
Schiel is recognized as a Flying Tigers aviator who destroyed seven Japanese aircraft during World War II, while Johnson served as a US Air Force colonel and is acknowledged as a double ace, credited with 10 aerial victories during the Korean War.
Remarkable milestones
From an early age, Cox has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. With her mother placing toys within reach in her crib, she learned to master everyday tasks using her feet, consistently defying expectations.
She has achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming a fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Her journey, which began with dreams of flying as a child, showcases the limitless potential of an adaptable mindset and serves as an inspiration to others.
Photos from jessicacox.com
Breaking barriers
Born without arms due to a rare congenital condition, Jessica Cox has dedicated her life to breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Rather than allowing her condition to limit her, she taught herself to use her feet exactly as hands are used, conquering tasks like typing, driving and even swimming.
‘Impossible Airplane’
In 2008, Cox earned her pilot certificate, making aviation history. She flies a lightweight, 1946 Ercoupe airplane. Because the aircraft was built without rudder pedals, she is able to steer the yoke and manage the throttle entirely with her feet.
She has continued her aviation advocacy with her custom-built “Impossible Airplane,” which is designed to be fully foot-controlled and serves as an inspiring symbol for children who are told their dreams are out of reach.
‘Right Footed’
Her incredible journey, both in the sky and as a disability rights advocate, is the focus of the award-winning documentary “Right Footed.”
The film won the Best Documentary award at the Mirabile Dictu International Catholic Film Festival in Vatican City.
At a film screening, Cox cited her Filipino heritage for her resilience and perseverance to achieve her dreams in spite of her disability.
“It did not allow me to give up,” Cox said. “It’s that spirit of not giving up and hard work. And hard work will pay off.”
Cox said that her Filipino mother instilled in her the value of hard work.
“If things come easy, you can’t really appreciate it that much,” Cox said. “My mom instilled in me that ‘if you work hard and if you had accomplishments, you’ll appreciate it all the more when you’ve had more difficulty.’ I wouldn’t be who I am without that.”
As a motivational speaker, she travels the globe representing disability advocacy, spreading the message of resilience and helping children break barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
