Jessica Cox taxis an Ercoupe into AeroShell Square Saturday. Photo by Chris Miller

Jessica Cox, wearing a T-shirt that states, "Look ma, no hands," leaves the Ercoupe cockpit after arriving at AeroShell Square Saturday. Born without arms, Cox is an inspirational speaker who flies airplanes, drives cars, and more using only her feet as others use their hands. She will be speaking at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 during multiple events July 27-August 1. Photo by Chris Miller

July 25, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin - Arriving with a flight of nine Ercoupes, Jessica Cox landed at Wittman Regional Airport late Saturday morning to attend her first EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Born without arms, Jessica is the first pilot certificated by the FAA to fly with her feet only, with no use of prosthetic devices or airplane modifications. She passed her sport pilot checkride flying an Ercoupe on October 10, 2008.

An Able Flight scholarship recipient and motivational speaker from Tucson, Arizona, Jessica will share her inspiring story with AirVenture visitors throughout the week. She will discuss some of the challenges unique to her flight training, things that other pilots take for granted, such as operating the seat belt, putting on headsets, and gaining enough leverage to land safely in crosswinds. "Many people here will want to learn to fly, and maybe by hearing about my challenges, they will know that they can fly, too," Jessica said.

Jessica wants potential pilots to know that limitations should not stand in their way of achieving their goals. She will talk with girls participating in Women Soar You Soar on Monday evening, and make several other presentations throughout the week, with a message that says, "Limitations are things we put on ourselves."

Even with her busy presentation schedule, Jessica is looking forward to seeing the AirVenture grounds, meeting other pilots, and enjoying more of the friendly, Midwestern hospitality that she's noticed on her trip to Oshkosh. "I feel part of a family now, and when I talk about my solo, people tend to recall their solos, and we have something to share. My journey of flight training provides encouragement to others through my challenges, and I'm looking forward to opportunities to share that."

Click here to view Jessica's presentation schedule.