It took quite a while for Jessica to be able to take her check ride after she soloed. Courtesy: Jessica Cox
Key Takeaways:
Jessica Cox, a pilot without arms, successfully completed her check ride, setting a precedent for others with disabilities.
Her journey involved overcoming skepticism and biases from various authorities, including obtaining her driver's license and ultimately her pilot's license.
Her check ride examiner, Terry Brandt, displayed an open mind and supportive attitude, significantly contributing to her success.
Cox achieved a Guinness World Record for being the first armless person to obtain a pilot's license, using only her feet to control the aircraft.
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.
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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.
