Meet Jessica Cox, an incredible woman from Phoenix, Arizona. Despite being born without arms, she has accomplished something truly remarkable.
Jessica has become the first licensed pilot in the United States to fly a plane using only her feet.
Her inspiring story is a testament to determination and the power of the human spirit.
Jessica Cox was born with a rare condition, that led to her lack of arms.
Born without arms due to a rare condition called amelia, resulted in the absence of her upper limbs during fetal development.
Despite multiple examinations during her mother's pregnancy, doctors were unable to detect any abnormalities or signs that Jessica Cox would be born without arms.
It was a shocking and unexpected moment for her parents when the doctor delivered the news right after her birth.
The condition she likely has is called amelia, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of one or more limbs.
The exact cause of amelia remains unknown, but it is believed to occur during the early stages of fetal development, typically between 24 and 36 days after fertilization.
Jessica Cox, an armless woman, becomes the first licensed pilot to fly a plane using only her feet
Despite this challenge, she has mastered the art of using her feet for various activities, such as playing the piano, driving a car, obtaining a scuba diving certification, and achieving a third-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Her journey towards becoming a pilot began when a small plane pilot invited her into the cockpit, dispelling her fear of flying.
This experience ignited a passion within her, and after graduating with a psychology degree from the University of Arizona in 2005, Jessica set her sights on the skies.
Training to become a pilot was no easy task, but Jessica's perseverance knew no bounds.
For three years, she underwent intensive training, mastering the use of dual controls.
With one foot on the yoke and the other on the throttle, she learned to maneuver the aircraft with remarkable precision and skill.
In October 2008, Jessica's hard work paid off when she obtained her pilot's license from the Federal Aviation Administration.
She flew an Ercoupe, a light aircraft with a single engine, confidently navigating the skies using her extraordinary foot dexterity.
Jessica Cox wants to be an inspiration for young children and encourage them to face their fears.
In an interview, she shared her strong aspiration to be perceived as a regular person, expressing her discontent with being labeled as "handicapped" and encountering discouragement from others.
Despite being presented with prosthetic arms, Cox admitted her preference for utilizing her feet, finding a greater sense of liberation and self-sufficiency.
She believes that her way of living has a big impact on others. She has had role models and leaders in her own life, and now she feels it's her responsibility to be the same for the next generation.
In a post on Instagram, she happily shared that she passed her biennial flight review and is once again a current pilot.
