7 Questions to a refreshing pilot: Jessica Cox
When I first heard of Jessica, my feelings were made of disbelief and enthusiasm. If you do not know about her, Jessica is “simply” the first armless woman to get a pilot license. Her mind-state is deeply refreshing, and I would describe her message as… unique. Click here to visit RightFooted, her own website.
PlasticPilot: At first, congratulations for your sport pilot certificate. The first thing I’d like to know is how you came to aviation. Each pilot has a different story and background. I got the aviation virus via my job, for some friends of mine it was a life-long dream. What about you ?
Jessica Cox: On the playground in elementary school, I remember being limited to the swings because other equipment like the monkey bars was impossible for me to play on. This frustrated me and I remember envisioning myself flying over the playground like Superwoman while everyone watched in disbelief. In my imagination, I was everyone’s hero and took people up one at a time to experience my super power. I never realized how this childlike imagination would affect the years to come. In 2005, I was at a speaking engagement when a fighter pilot named Robin Stoddard, who represented a non-profit organization called Wright Flight, approached me and asked if I would like to fly an airplane. My gut instinct was disinterest due to a fear of flying commercial airplanes since childhood. However, I couldn’t pass it up. Wright Flight started me on my first few hours of flight training. I became addicted.
Seventy-four hours of flight training later, when I flew over the city of San Manuel for the first time solo (most of my flight training was over tailings ponds and Arizona desert), I fulfilled the childhood dream of being Superwoman!
Photo Bruce Schockett
click for larger version
PlasticPilot: Now that you got it, what is the next step in your aviation activity ?
Jessica Cox: In my opinion, there is nothing more empowering than learning how to fly. Because I feel it is such a great privilege, it would only be right for me to share the same joy with others. I would like to become a sport pilot instructor for people with disabilities and I have already started looking into the process.
PlasticPilot: How complex was the administrative, regulatory part of getting your certificate ? Is is just a matter of getting a medical certificate, or had the FAA special hurdles for you ?
Jessica Cox: With the light sport license, all you need is a valid driver’s license. It acts as a medical. I have a valid driver’s license.
However, prior to solo it was required that I have a light sport student pilot certificate from an FAA examiner. I knew this might create a hurdle so before going into the examiner’s office everything had to be premeditated. I had to conceal my armlessness and just hope he wouldn’t notice. I walked into his office with a big puffy jacket with long sleeves. On a number of occasions people have not noticed that I don’t have arms when I am wearing a long sleeved jacket or sweater. I also planned for someone to be with me to simply hand over the previously filled out forms. All was successful. However a couple hours later the examiner called me and said he forgot to have me sign the certificate. Because of commitments the next day, I asked him if I could sign the certificate and have my dad bring it to him. He agreed. As my dad was leaving the office, the examiner asked him how did I fly the airplane without arms. Apparently he knew all along! The next day the examiner had second thoughts and decided to discuss the matter with other FSDO officials. I called my instructor Glen in the middle of this. Fortunately only weeks before, Glen had spoken with the lead of the light sport division from the FAA. He informed Glen that having a disability could not prevent a student from being issued a light sport student pilot certificate as long as the student had a valid driver’s license. Glen explained this to the examiner and it resolved the problem.
PlasticPilot: The three qualities your preach are “creativity, persistence, and fearlessness”. Can you give some examples about how they apply to aviation training ?
Jessica Cox: I have never known the true definition of determination and persistence until I started my flight training experience. Due to airplane logistics, it not only took me three years to do what some people could accomplish in 6 months but it also required four Ercoupes, three certified flight instructors, 89 hours of flight training in three different states (Florida, California, and Arizona) to accomplish earning the title of the first person to be certified to fly an airplane with only her feet!
Creativity is something I use every time I step foot in the airplane. The first challenge of flight training was learning how to buckle my seatbelt. Through creativity and recognizing there is more than one way to do something, I figured it would be best to buckle the seatbelt first before sitting down, then loosen the straps, stand on the seat and slip into the seatbelt. Once seated, I used my right foot to pull the seatbelt tight, securing it around my hips.
PlasticPilot: Let me play devil’s advocate a bit. Isn’t fearlessness a risk factor in aviation ? How do you manage to get the right dose of it ?
Jessica Cox: Absolutely! When I refer to fearlessness, I don’t mean “risk taking.” Rather, I am referring to overcoming our own personal fears. For me, taking my first flight in a single engine airplane was overcoming my greatest fear. When I talk of fearlessness, I refer to facing our fears head on and conquering them.
PlasticPilot: Quoting you: “What is most incredible about Able Flight is the relentless faith and support not only from the board but also from the other pilots who have succeeded in the program. The camaraderie is exceptional. Thank you Able Flight for helping me make history as the first licensed pilot to fly with only her feet!” Can you tell a bit more about what Able Flight made for you, and possibly a motivating example of this camaraderie ?
Jessica Cox: Able Flight gave me a scholarship in March of 2008 to fund the remainder of my training.
I remember at one point over the three years of flight training when it almost felt hopeless and I wasn’t going to be able to continue my training to earn the sport pilot’s certificate. My first instructor Glen Davis had already trained me in two Ercoupes in Florida and California. Due to the logistics of either the airplane not being the right model or the throttle ineffectively positioned on the control panel, I could not solo. It was so close I could almost taste it, yet still so far away. A year went by without any flight training. I wanted to continue training more than anything but realistically there was nothing else that could be done. I not only needed a “rudderless” light sport C model Ercoupe but I also needed a “rudderless” light sport C model Ercoupe that had the throttle low enough on the control panel to reach with my left foot. I cross my left leg under my right to reach the throttle. During this challenging time finding the right aircraft, I remember Charles Stites, founder of Able Flight, maintaining his support and “rooting” for me. We talked over the phone on a number of occasions and he reassured me that Able Flight was going to help me continue my flight training. Thanks Charles!
Regarding the Able Flight camaraderie, below is an email I received from Jessica Scharle, the only other woman scholarship winner who earned her sport pilot certificate only months before me:
Thank God! I’m no longer the only girl. . . *lol* All these guys are driving me nuts. Anyway I just wanted to shoot you an email to CONGRATULATE you on your AMAZING accomplishment. And I also want to thank you for persevering and showing the world once again that the only imitating factors in life are the ones we set on ourselves; because I may turn heads when I tell people I’m a pilot, but girl. . .you’re gonna break necks
, which is GREAT!! Some people need a wakeup call.
Anyway Take care and Happy Flying!!
Jess
PlasticPilot: The number of general aviation pilots is seriously declining, for many reasons. In such hard times, where all pilots are needed, what is your message to those who hesitate to start flying, or to those who think about stopping ?
Jessica Cox: For those who hesitate to start flying, you are going to miss an experience of a lifetime! Nothing is more empowering than that moment when you are up in the air, you look to your right and you don’t see your instructor, and you are forced to accept that YOU are the very person flying that airplane! You are the pilot in command! At that moment, your life is in your own hands (or in my case, my own “feet”). Something about that changes you forever!
For those who are thinking about stopping, are you crazy?! Enough said.
If you liked this interview, don’t miss Joiwind Alexander: from PPL to Airline and Corporate flying within 2 years or US Army Capt. Joshua Thompson who flies helicopters in extreme conditions.
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28 Comments, Comment or Ping
Todd
I had heard about Jessica’s story on another blog recently. So glad you were able to interview her so we could learn more about her and her experiences. Great interview!
Oct 21st, 2008
Jess Sightler
Wow… that is a great interview! I had no idea that anyone had accomplished this!
Oct 25th, 2008
Mike Arnold
It’s nice to see Wright Flight finally get a mention.
Oct 25th, 2008
blake bogar
hello, jessica. i just seen your article in the aopa pilot magazine, and i wanted to mention that the blue ercoupe “3939H” use to be mine and i restored the airplane. and i am so astonished to see you and my old airplane reconized like this. and i am very proud of your acomplishement of becoming a pilot. nice to talk with you
Blake Bogar
Nov 27th, 2008
Carol Plotnick
Jessica is inspiring! Reading about her frustration brought back memories of my own frustration during my flight training. But, what I experienced comes no where near what she faced with insightful creativity and confidence. She was right on the mark when she expressed the wonder and joy of that first solo flight!
Jessica, I’m in awe. Thank you for a wonderful, thought provoking interview.
Dec 5th, 2008
Kathy Little
Have just been referred to this story. Wow You go girl! You are amazing! If you ever get to WA in Australia I would love to meet you and get you to fly with me in my plane! Female pilots rock.! And armless ones are soooooo cool!
Kathy
A flying Grandmother (58)
Dec 6th, 2008
Sadiq Mohibi
Extraordinary
Great sample of prosperity and self reliance,
Very inspiring for all persons with disabilities and communities
Wish her Best
Dec 9th, 2008
Michael Osborne
Jessica, wonderful news, wonderful! Congratulations and I am sure you made a LOT of people proud of your accomplishments. A big high-fives from me!
I am deaf (well, really hard of hearing but clinically deaf) and a pilot too, I aquired my PPL and my Multi-engine ratings within the last two years, with the goal to aquire Instrument and commercial eventually, I had the ambition to be a pilot with the airlines since I was small child, which of course, this will never happen, an airline pilot for me…but this is as good as it gets and all I need to get aloft and have fun.
It is hard with all the negativity from “normal” people, saying that you “cannot” do it, but I can tell you, the accomplishments of our dedication and hard work, certainly open a lot of eyes and makes us rise above the rest of them (makes me fee that way!).
Congratulations again…and see you in the skies!
Michael Osborne
PP ASEL AMEL – (KFYV)
Dec 24th, 2008
PlasticPilot
Dear All,
all the comments on this post show how inspiring and positive Jessica’s story is. I’m also astonished by your personal stories. Michael, I’d love to know more about your story.
Dec 24th, 2008
Jason Crum
Congrats Jessica! This is an amazing story and gives those with disabilities a can do attitude. As a flight instructor, I had a paraplegic potential student display interest in learning how to fly a while back. At first I wasn’t sure about what he would face in the eyes of the FAA and the medical certificate. I am still relatively new to the whole sport pilot certificate, but after reading this story, I now believe there is a great chance he would be able to qualify as he drives a van with hand controls and possesses a valid DL. I have a friend who owns an Ercoupe, so I think this story will put a spark of inspiration in him.
Dec 27th, 2008
haydee
JESSICA MI EMOCION,FUE TAN GRANDE QUE SEGUN FUI LEYENDO PARTE DE TU VIDA SE ME SALIERON LAS LAGRIMAS.TE FELICITO Y SE QUE CUANDO UNO SE PROPONE ALGO EN LA VIDA AUNQUE LE FALTEN PARTE DE SUS EXTREMIDAS UNO PUEDO LOGRARLO.HAY UN DICHO MUY VERDADERO QUE DICE,EL QUERER ES PODER.MUCHAS BENDICIONES PARA TI Y TUS PADRES.QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA. HAYDEE
Aug 16th, 2009
Mario Hernandez (cachecho)
You are an amazing woman, you are a true example of overcoming, you are a super woman, thanks for teaching me so much of the life. God Bless you and all your family.
Aug 17th, 2009
Jorge Bencich
Dear Jessica:
I am sure that you are able to do all you want. Excuse me because my english is not complete and I can make any mistake.
I am a pilot instructor at Club Aéreo Cerro Sombrero, Punta Arenas City, Chile (South America).
It was amasing to know about you.
Good luck Jessica
Jorge Bencich
Aug 22nd, 2009
prof. eleuterio bravo
jessica te felicito tocaste mi corazon cuando en tus ultimas frases que desias y a ti que te hace falta para tocar el cielo …y te respondo disiendote que ..ati me ase falta porque la vuelta al mundo lo quiero realisar con tigo y mi equipo esperto ambientalista , cambio climatico, quimica,doctores, fisico, ingeniero,pediodista y un equipo de cinematografica para un documental gamas echo en la historia …y tu trabajo consistira en realisar buelos en la zona de cada industrias en los paises que visitaremos recolectando el nivel de contaminacion en la atmosfera y se colocaran en las alas un aparato especial
… y son unas de las principales causante del efecto invernadero
realisaremos comferencias sobre cambio climatico , salud y el proyecto bravo …todo lo que acotesera se filmara y luego lo bajaremos por internet y mas tendremos un laboratorio movil en unos de los camiones el segundo camion una gran casa rodante y equipos ,terser camion yo personalmente
armare un equipo purificador para chimenea industriales en vivo en pleno viaje …
su funcion es eliminar los gases de efecto invernadero que despiden las chimeneas industriales
nuestro objetivo es llegar el 7 de diciembre a copenhague ,dinamarca que se realisara la conferencia mundial por el cambio climatico con mas de 180 paises mienbro del protocolo de kyoto donde la intencion es presentar el proyecto bravo
que busca dar una parte de la solucion del problema actual .
espero que te guste la idea ya tiene mi correo y mi tel 572-448 a partir de las 21 horas san lorenzo paraguay
soy de nacionalida argentino
Aug 28th, 2009
william alberto
saludos cordiales
Sep 4th, 2009
VICTOR PRECIAT
HOLA JESSICA, ME DA MUCHO GUSTO SABER DE TI, TODO EL VALOR QUE TUVISTE PARA CRECER Y DARTE CUENTA QUE CADA UNO DE NOSOTROS SOMOS ÚNICOS Y QUE ERES NO SOLO PARA TI, SI NO PARA EL MUNDO ENTERO TAMBIÉN EL GRAN VALOR E IMPORTANCIA QUE TIENES PARA TU PERSONA Y EL GRAN EJEMPLO QUE NOS PONES CON TU VIDA……LASTIMA QUE SOY CASADO POR QUE NO LO PENSARÍA DOS VECES, POR QUE ERES UNA GRAN PERSONA, ÚNICA Y DE GRAN ESPÍRITU…SALUDOS Y SIGUE SIENDO FELIZ…QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA A TI Y A TU FAMILIA…UN ABRAZO
Sep 12th, 2009
edson
ola Jessica vç é linda,eo tua aurea maravilhosa,sou brasileiro li um documentario sobre voçe fiquei maravilhado com tua alegria,voce é especial é um anjo que Deus pois na terra,quanto a teus braços nem notei a falta pois com a alegria que vç tem em sua face seus braços são um detalhe,tua superação é um exemplo para estas pessoas que achão dificuldade em tudo.parabens linda.que Deus sempre esteja em teu coração.ei voce é uma princesa.bjjj.um abraço em seus mother e father.
Sep 22nd, 2009
Elson
Olá Jéssica, vc é maravilhosa, é capaz de tudo que queres. Você nos ensina que na vida, obstáculos não existem. Fico perplexo com a sua capacidade de fazer de tudo. Não desista de seu objetivo, pois, você irá além do seu limite. A sua beleza e capacidade nos encantou.
Sep 25th, 2009
Joel Ilidio Teixeira
Tú es muito forte és uma mulher muito especial sabes o porque?.
Porque coisas deste genero Deus só permite acontecer em pessoas especias como tú e outras por isso deixa de dizer Deus te ama mas do que vç imagina o meu Deus mando te dizer para não té disanimares porque éle te Ama.
Sep 25th, 2009
Gabriel
Hola Jessica, eres una mujer formidable te felicito la verdad cuando me mandaron un emial tuyo donde estabas y vi lo que podias hacer, me sinti ha no se me dije que que mujer la verdad eres lo maximo he, se los enseñe a mi familia a mis compañeros profesores y alumnos, si ella puede hacer esto nosotros lo podemos hacer, dijo un escritor obmandoni creo que asi se llama “el fracaso no sobrevendra nunca si mi determinacion por alcanzar el exito es lo suficientemente poderosa” y tu lo tienes lo demuestras gracias por demostrarnos lo que tu haces se puede hacer y si se quiere se logra, que dios te bendiga y te cuide y te proteja, muchos saludos a tus papás y los cuide mucho, soy mexicano del estado de Guerrero.
Sep 27th, 2009
Jose lorival sollak
Muito obrigado por ter nascido neste mundo JESSICA.Que os covardes da vida aprendam com voce.Que as bemçãos de Deus sejam sempre a tua eterna segurança.Aqui do Brasil ja sou teu Fã.
Sep 28th, 2009
dagoberto
Con qué cara puedo decirle a Jessica que el ingles lo leo a medias y que no me he preocupado por aprenderlo, pero que captado sus mensajes de superacion.
Sin embargo la felicito por sus excelentes logros, porque cumplio y saldo sus deudas ante el mundo espiritual. En esta Tierra existen muchos seres como ella, muchisimos se han superado y otros se han rendido, estos ultimos en la misericordia de Dios deben regresar a repetir la tarea y cada que no la hagan deben repetirla. Congratulaciones Jessica, Dios en ninguna de tus existencias te ha dejado de amar y como buen Padre te ha exigido andar por el camino correcto.
Sep 29th, 2009
SAID PERDOMO
ERES LA PRINCESA QUE DIOS NOS TRAJO A ESTE MUNDO PARA SER EL EJEMPLO DE MUCHOS DE LOS QUE HABITAMOS ESTA TIERRA .POR FAVOR PRINCESA NO SE COMO PODER CONSEGUIR ESO SI EN ESPAIN TUS CONFERENCIAS O PARTE DE TU VIDA .NO SE UN LIBRO SI YA TIENES ALGUNO-GRACIAS TU MAS FIEL ADMIRADOR SAID.
Oct 8th, 2009
jany edson
é bom saber que tem gente como vc nesse mundo meus parabens jessica sou brasileiro e estou muito feliz por você beijos!!!!
Oct 17th, 2009
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