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A female pilot with no arms – true story!

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA, Jessica has learned to live her life with her feet. Born without arms and all doctors did not know why.

There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in her potential.

With the support of her parents and family, Jessica became confident in herself as an adult and continued to explore the world with her feet.

As a child, Jessica studied dance in her home town. When the first performance arrived, she asked to be put in the back row. Her dance teacher told her there was no back row. Tentatively she took the stage with the other students and performed her routine. When she finished, the applause from the audience gave her encouragement and the confidence to continue dancing for 14 years.

Jessica’s parents eventually met a Taekwondo instructor named Jim Cunningham. His response when told of her birth condition was that she would be more than physically able and that only her attitude could hold her back. At the age of 14, Jessica earned her first Black Belt in the International Taekwondo Federation.

After graduating from high school, Jessica attended the University of Arizona where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that psychology credits the way people think has a greater impact on their lives than a physical limitation.

Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly. It took three states, four airplanes, two flight instructors and a discouraging year to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane. She received the Guinness World Record for being the first person certified to fly an airplane with only their feet.

Jessica now works as a motivational speaker. She travels the world sharing her story and encouraging people to be creative and innovative with the mantra “Think outside the shoe.”

By Jessica Cox
Age: 29

So, the next time you are ready to tell yourself, “I can’t…” remember this amazing young woman.

Jessica Cox Photos Gallery:

Jessica Cox Videos:

Video 1, interview:

Video 2, flying the airplane:

{ 20 comments… add one }
  • Love Korfa June 23, 2016, 4:55 pm

    This is really amazing. Jessica really asked God for a hard thing. This is a source of encouragement to several of us who always give excuses for failure in life and keep blaming other people or circumstances for our problems.
    May God continue to uphold her and others to the end.

  • W. Hayes June 2, 2016, 12:00 pm

    Amen!

  • Manuel November 10, 2014, 1:20 pm

    There is nothing impossible in life that you can not acompish.

  • Abraham Fasanya August 18, 2014, 5:58 am

    There is nothing impossible, therefore nobody should give excuse for failing in life

  • Tara April 20, 2014, 3:59 pm

    She is so marvelous …

  • Obby Zombe June 30, 2013, 7:32 am

    I believe that God is there and He truly love us.

  • Neelima May 29, 2013, 6:53 am

    I salute you…. you are really a great hero in this world.

  • Shweta May 28, 2013, 9:31 am

    Hat’s off for Jessica.

  • Eva April 10, 2013, 5:09 pm

    Power of determination is indeed a great armor! Inspite of disabilities, who would have thought a woman like her will be one of the best pilots….

    Self Faith and trust to God will always invest something.. You deserved what you achieved Jessica.. I salute you!

  • Tedy November 29, 2012, 4:00 pm

    Oh my God, she is really a hero.

  • RamUi November 26, 2012, 9:42 am

    I just can’t believe my eyes! MINDBLOWING!!

    Wow! Excellent! May God shower all his blessings on her.

  • Bim Acunin November 23, 2012, 4:38 am

    Sooo inspiring…:D

  • Paris November 14, 2012, 6:01 am

    May I ask who is your hero? Who inspired you and also how did you do your training!! Thank you.

  • Kamal November 14, 2012, 1:50 am

    The story gave me 3 things-

    FAITH
    DEEP FAITH and
    GREAT FAITH
    in myself.

  • Vishwa November 13, 2012, 11:54 pm

    Truly amazing and inspiring! Jessica has really set a benchmark for those who are normal and still not able to achieve what she has achieved. She has proven that only FAITH and THOUGHTS matter to design your destiny! A standing ovation to you Jessica keep it up !!

  • Nelson M. Malicdem Jr. November 12, 2012, 9:44 pm

    God is amazing, truly great. We may not understand the things that happen in our lives but it happens for a reason. Though there are some people with disabilities, or physically incomplete, but God designed them, created them to be who they are under God’s purpose. Instead of complaining why we are struggling, let us be optimistic. Never lose hope, never give up, believe in ourselves, because God believe in us. And when we pass those tests in our lives we will be rewarded. Never give up. Let us do our best and God will do the rest.

  • Oluwaseyifunmi November 12, 2012, 2:35 am

    Believe and you’ll achieve the unbelievable.

  • Mosopefoluwa November 12, 2012, 2:05 am

    Physically challenged doesn’t mean physically abandoned; everything is about the mind. Kudos.

  • Kanna November 12, 2012, 1:32 am

    All the very best to her she is really a living legend!!!!!!!!!

  • Sunethra November 11, 2012, 10:47 pm

    Truly marvelous!
    Living evidence of mind power!
    Wishing her the very best!

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