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The Tail Section Arrived—and Things Got Real

Now the clock is ticking to build “The Impossible Airplane,” and the pressure is on.

The author and "Bob The Builder," take a look at the contents of the crate. [Courtesy: Jessica Cox]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Jessica Cox and her team are building "The Impossible Airplane," a modified RV-10 designed for pilots without arms to fly using only their feet, aiming to demonstrate that disability does not mean inability.
  • The arrival of the initial tail section kit for the RV-10 transformed the ambitious project from a dream into a tangible reality for Cox, overcoming her initial disbelief and imposter syndrome.
  • Significant challenges remain, including engineering custom flight controls to be operable by feet (especially reducing rudder pedal force), securing an engine, and funding, as the physical aircraft build progresses with a volunteer team in New Jersey.
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I was not emotionally ready for the moment when the tail section for the Van’s Aircraft RV-10 arrived.

Have you ever had a big dream that seemed too big to become a reality? Building “The Impossible Airplane” has felt like that almost since its inception. Who thinks we can create the first airplane to be flown with just feet?

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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