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The Process of Obtaining a Medical Certificate

Flying without arms has made getting a third-class medical uncharted territory.

FLYING contributor Jessica Cox stands in front of N26R, a 1946 415-C Ercoupe. [Courtesy: Jessica Cox]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The armless pilot, who has been flying light sport aircraft using a driver's license as a medical, is now pursuing a third-class medical to fly a custom RV-10 and obtain a private pilot certificate.
  • The pilot navigated a complex medical application process, which included finding an experienced Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), providing an orthopedic evaluation to the FAA, and ultimately receiving approval for a medical flight review.
  • The upcoming medical flight review is a critical test; passing it will lift many light sport restrictions and set an important precedent for pilots with disabilities, while failure would end the pilot's flying career.
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I have a confession to make: I’ve been flying without a medical. Well, not a third-class medical, at least. As a light sport pilot and the first armless pilot, I’ve been using my driver’s license as my medical. Needless to say, my pathway to becoming a pilot was not typical. Navigating the skies with just my feet meant embracing challenges and redefining what’s possible. Now, I’m finally on the journey to getting my medical, the real medical, the third-class medical. Once again, I’m back in uncharted territory.

This medical adventure started with The Impossible Airplane project, a custom-controlled RV-10 that will be the first purpose-built airplane in history for a pilot flying with just their feet. I’ve been flying Ercoupes for a long time, but the RV-10 does not qualify for the current light sport rules. So if I’m ever going to solo The Impossible Airplane, I’ll need to get my private pilot certificate, which also means getting at least my third-class medical.

Jessica Cox

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.

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