Jessica Cox

Jessica Cox (born February 2, 1983) is the world's first licensed armless pilot, as well as the first armless black-belt in the American Taekwondo Association. She was born without arms due to a rare birth defect.

Early life Jessica Cox graduated from the University of Arizona in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in communications. She is also a certified scuba diver.

Cox's Sport Pilot Certificate is for an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe, which the Federal Aviation Administration has designated a light sport aircraft. Designed in the 1940s, the Ercoupe was built without rudder pedals. Instead, the rudder is interconnected with the ailerons through the yoke. This unique design allows Cox to control the airplane with one foot controlling the yoke while the other foot controls the throttle.

In 2019, Cox received a 1946 Ercoupe 415-C (Serial number #3153) with tail number N26R. She has stated she will use the airplane to promote the mission of Rightfooted Foundation International that "disability does not mean inability." In July 2020, Cox used the airplane to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by taking retired Senator Tom Harkin on a flight near Washington, DC. Senator Harkin had introduced the Americans with Disabilities Act to the US Senate in 1990.

At the age of 10, Cox began training in taekwondo at a school in her hometown of Sierra Vista. At the age of 14, she earned her first black belt. Cox has since gone on to earn her second and third degree black belts in the ATA. Cox has also earned the title of 2014 Arizona State Champion in forms. She did not compete in a special abilities ring.

In 2019, Cox became a fourth degree black belt.

Cox works as a motivational speaker and has shared her message in 26 different countries.

In 2015, Cox published an autobiographical self-help book, Disarm Your Limits, in order to inspire people to overcome their own challenges through the lessons she has learned in her life.

Media influence

Cox is the subject of the documentary Right Footed. The film is directed by Emmy Award winning filmmaker Nick Spark.

The patented invention of a "Lower Extremity Vehicle Navigation Control System," which allows people to drive a car without the use of their upper body, by the Emirati engineer Reem Al Marzouqi was inspired by Cox.