Fil-Am Armless Pilot Jessica Cox Was Inducted Into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame

Filipino-American trailblazer Jessica Cox made aviation history in 2008 when she earned her license and became the world’s first armless pilot. On May 15, she marked another milestone when she was inducted in the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame.

Jessica was born with a rare congenital condition called Phocomelia syndrome, a birth defect that affects limb development. She flies a 1946 Ercoupe aircraft, which was built without rudder pedals, allowing her to operate it entirely with her feet.

Founded in 1985, the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace history. Beyond her groundbreaking achievements and story of perseverance, the 43-year-old is also recognized for her advocacy work through Rightfooted Foundation International.

"It's such a wonderful, humbling experience. But also to be able to pave the way for so many future aviators," Jessica told KVOA, a television station based in Tucson, Arizona.

Through Rightfooted Foundation International, Jessica works to create opportunities for children, families, and aspiring pilots while promoting greater public understanding of disabilities in aviation. To show that dreams are never out of reach, she advances this advocacy through her custom-built “Impossible Airplane,” which is designed to be fully foot-controlled.

Patrick Chamberlain, Jessica’s husband and the inclusive engineering director for the Rightfooted Foundation International, also told KVOA that “Jessica’s induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes both what she has accomplished and what she continues to do.”

Outside of aviation and advocacy work, Jessica is also a motivational speaker and a black belter in Taekwondo.