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.

FMI: www.ableflight.org, www.rightfooted.com