Armless pilot makes pitch for differently-abled kids

Newly-wed Jessica Cox and Patrick Chamberlain. AJPress FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino-American pilot Jessica Cox arrived in Manila on Thursday to promote her documentary, help raise funds for differently-abled children in Ethiopia and promote awareness for people with disability.

Cox and her husband, Patrick Chamberlaine, were welcomed by her mother Inez, brother Jason and friend Rebecca Lewellyn.

Born without arms, Cox, 30, holds the distinction as the first female pilot in aviation history to fly an aircraft using only her feet.

Cox is promoting “Rightfooted,” a documentary about her life and work as a motivational speaker and advocate for the disabled.

“I’m only one person and can only reach so many, but with the film, I know we can reach millions and touch many lives,” she said.

Cox has been invited by the France-based Handicap International to work with differently-abled students in Ethiopia and create change.

“I hope to advocate for those who are disabled, [especially] those who are not as privileged as me to have been born in the United States. I know we can make a difference and with your help, we can make it a reality,” she said.

Aside from being the world’s first licensed armless pilot, Cox is also the first armless black-belter in the American Taekwondo Association. She is also a certified scuba diver.

When she turned 14, she stopped using her prosthetic arms and began using her feet while most people use their hands.  She can play the piano, drive a car, type on a keyboard and even put and remove her contact lenses.

Cox holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona.  She works as a motivational speaker and has spoken in 17 different countries.