Fil-Am Armless Pilot to Fly First Foot-Controlled Airplane before the end of 2025

ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA - Filipino-American Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, has revealed that her custom-designed, foot-controlled airplane called “The Impossible Airplane” is set to fly before the end of the year.

During an inspirational speech at the 5th Philippine American Friendship Day event last July 12, Cox said they plan to navigate the aircraft, aVan’s Aircraft RV-10, around the world once completed.

“I as the first armless pilot inspiring others that you can do anything. And as we celebrate the friendship day here at the Philippine-American Friendship Day, it really celebrates the spirit of the Filipino people that you can do anything and never give up and I will continue to be the role model for those out there that nothing’s impossible,” Cox told the The Filipino Correspondent Network TFCN in an interview.

Initially, it was reported that Cox’s goal is to fly the customized plane over the Opening Ceremonies of the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Cox, who is also world’s first and only armless Taekwondo black-belt, scuba diver and cyclist, said the airplane project is a testament to her belief that disability does not mean inability, and aims to inspire others to overcome their perceived limitations.

Cox was born without arms due to a rare birth defect to a Filipina, Inez Macabare from Mercedes, Eastern Samar and American father, Bill Cox in February 2, 1983.

During the event, Cox, also author, sold and autographed her book “Disarm Your Limits: The Flight Formula to Lift You to Success and Propel You to the Next Horizon”, originally published in 2015.

The 42-year old advocate for people with disabilities graduated from the University of Arizona in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Communications.

Cox, a global inspirational speaker, has not used prosthetic arms since she turned 14.

Using her feet as most people use their hands, she is able, among other things, to drive an unmodified car with an unrestricted license, to type on a keyboard at 25 words per minute, to pump her own gas, and to put in and remove her contact lenses.

She flew in a single engine airplane for the first time via Wright Flight in 2004. She earned her pilot's certificate on October 10, 2008 after three years of training and is qualified to fly a light-sport aircraft to altitudes of 10,000 feet. She received her flight training through an Able Flight scholarship and soloed under the instruction of Parrish Traweek.

Photo Source: Photos by Joe Cobilla Jr.