Woman born without Arms becomes First Licenced Pilot to fly Plane using Feet

Guwahati, May 22, 2019:

Jessica Cox of Arizona, who has learned to fly a plane with her feet, has become the first licensed pilot to fly a plane using the feet.

36-year-old Jessica Cox uses her feet to do most of her household activities as she was born with a rare condition due to which her upper limbs did not develop.

According to reports, Jessica is a certified scuba diver, plays the piano, is a motivational speaker and holds a third-degree black belt in taekwondo. Cox was suspected to be born with 'Amelia', a rare condition due to which one or more limbs doesn't form. It is believed that the limb formation process stopped very early, between 24 and 36 days after fertilization.

As a child, Cox did not let her deformity stop her doing things that girls of her age did. Cox has also learned tap dancing, participated in Girl Scouts, and many other such activities.

She mentioned that she absolutely resents the word 'handicap'. Cox was earlier afraid of planes, but she eventually overcame her fears and learned flying and scaled heights. She used prosthetic arms initially but later preferred to use her feet.

Cox graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Arizona in 2005 and decided to become a pilot. She learned flying from the Federal Aviation Administration and received her certificate in October 2008. She then also found a plane with a single engine known as an Ercoupe which would be comfortable for her to use.