A Journey of Resilience and Flight
Jessica Cox, a Taekwondo black belt, certified scuba diver, and the world’s first licensed armless pilot, has never viewed her disability as an inability. Her story is one of determination, innovation, and a deep passion for travel that has shaped her life in extraordinary ways.
From a young age, Jessica learned to adapt and embrace her unique perspective on life. Born without both arms, she quickly discovered that her feet could serve as a powerful alternative to hands. “Our toes and feet have the same type of bones as our hands and fingers,” she explains. “It was a normal transition for replacement.” This early realization allowed her to build a foundation of independence that would carry her through every challenge she faced.
Travel became a significant part of her life, inspired by her mother, who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in the 1970s. “She instilled in me a love for both worlds,” Jessica says. At just eight years old, she took her first international trip to the Philippines, which she describes as “life-changing.” That experience sparked a lifelong curiosity about the world and fueled her desire to explore beyond borders.
Despite her achievements, Jessica acknowledges the challenges people with disabilities face when traveling. Universal design, while beneficial, isn’t always tailored to individual needs. For example, she doesn’t require an ADA-compliant hotel room, but certain features—like a roll-under sink—can be inconvenient. “There are aspects that don’t work for me,” she notes. “I have to explain that it depends on the room.”
One of her greatest fears was flying. As a child, commercial flights filled her with anxiety, often requiring medication. But at 21, she found an opportunity to confront that fear when she was invited to fly a small plane. “The more I learned about aviation, the less I was afraid,” she recalls. “If you lose an engine, you just glide down to the ground.” This shift in perspective led her to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.
Her journey into aviation began with a Cessna, where she hesitantly placed her foot on the yoke. The moment she realized she could control the plane, she knew she had to continue. Today, Jessica holds a sport pilot certification, allowing her to fly light sport aircraft with one passenger up to 10,000 feet. Her most memorable flight was her first solo journey, where she felt an overwhelming sense of empowerment.
Jessica’s work extends beyond flying. She is currently collaborating with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) to build the first exclusively foot-controlled plane, dubbed “The Impossible Airplane.” This project, spearheaded by EAA Chapter 898, aims to create a custom four-seat RV-10 airplane designed specifically for pilots without arms. Through her nonprofit, Rightfooted Foundation International, she also focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities and providing tools that promote independence.
Looking ahead, Jessica has ambitious goals, including becoming the first woman with a disability to fly around the world in a small aircraft in 2028. She hopes this journey will challenge societal perceptions and inspire others to embrace their potential. “When you don't get to see the world, you have a limited perspective,” she says. “The moment you see there's more, it opens up your world to possibilities.”
For Jessica, solo travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s about celebrating the small victories and embracing the unknown. Whether it’s carrying luggage or adapting to a makeshift table on a long flight, she finds joy in overcoming obstacles. “Face your fears and it can change your life,” she encourages.
Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of perspective. Jessica Cox continues to break barriers, proving that disability is not an inability, but a unique lens through which to view the world.
