Flying Feet First

Meet Jessica Cox, a sport pilot who was born without arms and mastered the skill of flying an airplane with her feet. What led her to this Guinness World Record-worthy feat was an opportunity to meet life’s challenges and a hunger for independence. She shares details of the day she embarked on a path that would inspire others to venture into aviation.Jessica talks openly about the safety aspects that were addressed when she was getting certificated as a sport pilot and shares her biggest physical challenge when learning how to fly with her feet. She also discusses her groundbreaking initiative to develop a custom airplane designed specifically to be foot-controlled and encourages other people with disabilities to consider aviation.If you enjoy this episode, inspire others by sharing with friends, family and colleagues because aerospace is for everyone. Interested in becoming a pilot? Check out the FAA’s Pilot's Portal where you’ll find information on certification, training, and the safety standards all pilots must know, consider, and meet to be airworthy. Meet Our Guest Jessica Cox was born without arms and uses her feet the way most people use their hands. In 2008, she earned her sport pilot certificate, becoming the first woman to fly an airplane with only their feet. Jessica is a Goodwill Ambassador for the Flight School Association of North America and writes a monthly article for Flying Magazine. Jessica plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat RV-10, the first solely foot-controlled airplane in history.Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.