It took quite a while for Jessica to be able to take her check ride after she soloed. Courtesy: Jessica Cox
Key Takeaways:
The author, born without arms, successfully obtained her pilot's license, setting a precedent with the FAA for individuals with physical disabilities.
Her journey was marked by a lifelong struggle to overcome societal skepticism and repeatedly prove her capabilities, as evidenced by challenges in tasks like obtaining a driver's license.
A crucial factor in her achievement was an open-minded designated pilot examiner who focused on her ability to safely operate the aircraft with her feet, rather than traditional methods.
She became the first person without arms ever licensed to fly an airplane using only her feet, an accomplishment recognized with a Guinness World Record.
It’s not every day you get to set a precedent. Especially with an organization like the FAA. When designated pilot examiner Terry Brandt agreed to do my check ride, the stage was set to establish whether people without arms could fly or not.
I was about 35 hours into my training when I soloed, but I didn’t take my check ride until I had logged about 80 hours.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Born without arms, Jessica Cox is the first and only licensed armless pilot in aviation history. When she’s not flying a 1946 Ercoupe in Arizona, Jessica trains in Taekwondo, mentors children with limb differences, and travels the world as a keynote speaker.
