Jessica Cox Born Without Arms Learns to Fly

Thanks to Wright Flight Inc., a non-profit organization in Tucson, Arizona, a woman overcomes great obstacles to become the first armless woman to pilot an aircraft and write a book about her experiences.

In August of 2005 a man by the name of Col. Robin Stoddard, the Executive Director and founder of Wright Flight Inc. (a non-profit organization in Tucson, Arizona) had attended an inspirational speaking engagement at a Tucson Rotary Club Luncheon. The speaker was a young woman by the name of Jessica Cox. Jessica, a local Tucson resident who graduated from the University of Arizona, was born without arms. Jessica had just shared stories of growing up without arms and the obstacles she has had to over come throughout her life. She included several pictures which showed her driving a car, using a computer and combing her hair. Robin realized that this girl had the potential to learn to fly and wondered if she had ever considered it.

As Jessica was leaving the facility, Robin stopped her and simply asked if she had ever thought about flying an airplane? Jessica responded that one of her only fears was flying. Robin, himself a decorated Air Force Fighter pilot, told her about his Godfather, an Air Force fighter pilot who suffered a crash landing but still went on to fly his own aircraft even though he was confined to a wheelchair. Robin went on to explain that he has taught people with all types of disabilities and if she could drive a car, (and from the photos she provided during the lecture it was obvious she could) then she could fly an airplane.

That upcoming Saturday Jessica attended one of the many Wright Flight "fly days". This was a time where kids who have successfully graduated from the Wright Flight program are allowed to pilot an aircraft for an hour with their designated pilot.

From that day starting with Wright Flight's chief pilot Greg Rush, an airline pilot for UPS, and the guidance and encouragement of Robin Stoddard and the Wright Flight organization, Jessica Cox was guided through the "ups and downs" of aviation.

Now, two years later, Jessica Cox like that of the Wright Brothers, has made history. She has successfully soloed in a specialized aircraft, written a book titled "Flying With My Own Two Feet" and has been requested to speak to audiences worldwide.

It's stories like this that truly allow us the opportunity to give thanks to organizations such as Wright Flight Inc. Everyday there are lives that are changed for the better because of one random act of kindness. One specific person or group of people who take a chance on someone because they see the potential that no one else can see at that time.

I truly hope that Col. Stoddard and the staff at Wright Flight continue to inspire people to reach for the stars.

http://www.wrightflight.org (520) 294-0404
http://www.rightfooted.com