Wed, Oct 15, 2008
Congrats, Jessica Cox, On Passing Your Sport Pilot
Checkride!
Being born without arms didn't keep Jessica Cox of Tucson, AZ
from meeting the challenge of earning a Sport Pilot certificate.
The Able Flight Scholarship winner passed her checkride last
Friday, October 10, after several months of training with
instructor Parrish Traweek in his Ercoupe 415C.
Those familiar with the Ercoupe will recognize why the aircraft
was uniquely suited to this particular mission... as the
postwar aircraft came from the factory with interconnected
rudder-and-aileron systems, and no rudder pedals. With its
unique control system, the Ercoupe proved to be the right airplane
for Cox to fly using only her feet (she does not use prosthetic
arms).
Jessica's path to becoming the first person born without arms to
be certified as a pilot began in Florida when Glen Davis provided
her first hours of instruction in his Ercoupe. But since his was
not an LSA version, she would have to wait until a suitable LSA
model could be located. Enter Traweek, of the little town of San
Manuel to the north of Tucson.
"I highly encourage people with disabilities to consider
flying," Jessica said. "It not only empowers you but also helps
others realize that people with disabilities are adept at attaining
privileges that a small percentage of society takes part in. It
helps reverse the stereotype that people with disabilities are
powerless into the belief that they are powerful and capable of
setting high goals and achieving them. 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!"
Able Flight's Executive Director Charles Stites said, "Jessica's
success is a testament to her determination not to let others set
limitations on her abilities, and it's a tribute to her instructors
who willingly took on a challenge that others may have found
daunting. As with all of our scholarship winners who have earned
their certificates, Jessica has proven that there are no barriers
to flight for those who are willing to trade hard work and
dedication for the privilege of becoming an aviator. "
Able Flight's mission is to offer people with disabilities a
unique way to challenge themselves through flight training, and by
doing so, to gain greater self-confidence and self-reliance. Able
Fight is a national program, and the only one of its kind in the
United States.
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