OSHKOSH, Wis. — Ask Jessica Cox about how comfortable she is in the cockpit and the answer is still a little fearful.
But it’s a fear that keeps her sharp in the air. It’s also a fear that launched her journey to become a pilot.
“I was terrified of flying. A lot of people here were born to fly. I was not born to fly. I had to overcome the fear,” Cox said. “As a motivational speaker who travels all over the world giving these talks, I had to be able to live out my message that you don’t let anything hold you back.”
Born without arms, the Arizona resident also became the first armless licensed pilot. She is one of more than a half million people expected at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture this week in Oshkosh.
“I’ve had to fight for a lot things growing up in a world that was engineered for arms and hands, but it has never stopped me,” Cox said. “When it came to aviation, why not? Just do it with your feet like you’ve done everything in life.”
Cox was a featured speaker Monday on the first day of AirVenture. She’s not only a pilot but also a surfer and scuba diver.
Mary Clague of Cleveland, Ohio, said she wanted to find out more about Cox’s story and message.
“When we saw this in the program, I thought, OK, I want to see what’s special about her and her ability and how she can inspire me,” she said.
Clauge was attending EAA with her husband.
“It’s just amazing to me. This woman has figured out how to fly without her arms,” she said. “My husband is losing hearing in both ears. He’s been a pilot for over 40 years and he’s discouraged. I just want him to perceive her too and try to overcome all the obstacles so he can continue flying.”
Cox is working with Van’s Aircraft to build an airplane designed for her specific needs.
“It’s called The Impossible Airplane because it will be the first that can be flown with feet alone,” she said. “It will be modified, customized and an experimental, which will be amazing because I can make it as comfortable to my needs as possible.”