Pilot flies airplanes without arms, speaks to others about what’s possible
Mar 30, 2026, 10:16 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — A pilot who was once scared of flying is now inspiring future pilots. Jessica Cox was one of them and can almost laugh about it now.
“I had this great fear of flying, and I wanted to conquer the fear by doing something about it,” she said.
So, she did. She learned to fly, stepping closer to the very thing that once scared her. Over time, that fear turned into something else entirely.
“I’ve been flying for over 17 years,” Cox said.
Jessica Cox, a pilot and motivational speaker, inside the cockpit of a small airplane. (Courtesy Jessica Cox and Utah State University)
But Cox’s journey isn’t just about flying. She was born without arms and flies the planes using only her feet.
“I’m the first pilot to fly an airplane with just my feet on the controls,” she said.
It’s an accomplishment shaped by years of others’ doubt and determination from within.
“I have been told since as far back as I can remember, you know, ‘You’re crazy. You can’t do this,’” said Cox. “I mean, that’s what my life is about, is showing I can and I will.”
Jessica Cox flying her airplane with her feet since she was born without arms. (Courtesy Jessica Cox and Utah State University)
Now, Cox travels the country sharing that message.
She is in Utah to speak with students at Utah State University, including future pilots in the school’s aviation program.
She will also be speaking to students with disabilities.
“I always say disability does not mean inability,” she said. “And it’s just so true because so often times there’s the label.”
Cox has also created the Rightfooted Foundation International and started a project to build The Impossible Airplane, all with the goal of spreading the message that disability is not inability.
For Cox, the fear that once held her back has become a way to help others move forward.
She hopes her story helps people see their own potential and maybe even take a step toward the things that scare them most.
“It is the reason I get up every day,” she said. “Not letting anything stop me from doing the things that I want to do and to impose onto others that they can do so much more with their life, and they have great potential to fulfill their dreams.”
Other reading: Hill Air Force Base community worries as pilots are likely involved in Iran conflict
