Without limits: the life of Jessica Cox, the first pilot without light aircraft arms

Since childhood, the American hated the word "handicapped". Being born without arms for her is more of a "benefit" than a "disadvantage", which has led her to become the first unmanned light aircraft pilot and the first licensed in the world.

"When I take the plane, I feel free, independent and under control"said Efe Cox, 36, from Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Cox was born without arms because of a rare conbad disease. However, this has not been an obstacle to doing daily activities with the feet such as dressing, eating, writing, putting on makeup.

Since childhood seeks to be independent, despite the curious looks of people, to which, he said, is accustomed.

"Some people are surprised to see me, others just want to look in. Some people even feel rejected because they do not have the habit of seeing the feet perform their duties by hand", she said. young pilot.

"Some think that the feet are dirty because they touch the ground or are inside your shoes, there is a whole range of reactions," he added.

Cox He has not used dentures since he was 14 years old. He is able to drive his car, which has no special modifications. He also holds an unlimited driver's license and writes 25 words a minute on the keyboard.

Following the advice of her father, the young woman decided to accept the invitation to fly from 2005, despite his fear of planes.

Since he's been flying in a small plane for the first time, he says that he was "hooked", so, back to the ground, he knew the next thing he would do was to Learn to fly.

After three years of training and several instructors, Cox He obtained his pilot's license on October 10, 2008, which is why he is qualified to fly light sport aircraft that can reach an altitude of 10,000 feet.

With a degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona, Cox He is dedicated to touring the United States and around the world, sharing his personal improvement story.

His interviews allowed him to visit 23 different nations.

"It's important for me to share my story, I think I've had the chance to influence people on a deeper level"said.

While he is having breakfast and bread butter with his feet, he says:

"To be born without weapons has been more of an advantage than a disadvantage."

In 2015, Arizonan published the autobiographical book "Disarm Your Limits", in which she recounts the problems she faced and how she overcame them.

One of these pitfalls was the decision to abandon the prosthesis.

She badures her that she "hated" them because they were so heavy and that they were also causing jokes at the school, where they l? called, among other epithets, "robotic girl" and "Captain Hook".

When her family moved to Tucson – she was about to start grade eight – she decided to be the "real Jessica". And the "real Jessica does not use prosthesis".

In 10 yearsCox started taekwondo training. At 14, she got her first black belt and became the first woman without arms with this colored ribbon at the American Taekwondo Association.

With her husband, Patrick Chamberlain, Cox forms a duo of ambbadadors for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, approved in 2006 by the United Nations.

"Unfortunately, the United States is not part of this agreement"lamented Cox.

For her, it is very important not only that people with physical disabilities are respected, but also that they have better opportunities, especially to work.

"My main message for people with a physical disability is that no matter what the obstacles, there is a formula for "managing" themwhich includes desire, courage, innovation and above all perseverance, "he said.

Cox, who, in addition to riding a bike and now learning to walk a tightrope, says her Catholic faith inspired her to improve and try to help others overcome their own obstacles.

His life, in turn, inspired the documentary "Right foot" (Right foot), directed by Nick Spark in 2015.

"I can currently say that the only thing I need help with is to make a ponytail in my hair, but I'm working on it", Cox, who will soon travel to Israel to share his story.