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Jessica Cox poses with her Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame portrait following her induction ceremony. John Saavedra, ABS-CBN News

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Fil-Am pilot Jessica Cox inducted into Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779854671367Photo 2.jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Jessica Cox poses with her Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame portrait following her induction ceremony. John Saavedra, ABS-CBN News"/>Jessica Cox poses with her Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame portrait following her induction ceremony. John Saavedra, ABS-CBN News</div>TUCSON, Arizona — Filipino American pilot Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, has been inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in a life defined by breaking barriers and inspiring others.But for Cox, the recognition was never simply about personal achievement. It was about the next child who walks into the museum carrying self-doubt.“Maybe they walk through these doors thinking, ‘I can’t do it. I’ll never achieve something like that,’” Cox said during her acceptance speech at the Pima Air &amp; Space Museum.“But then they look up, see this picture, and say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.’”Her words captured the heart of the moment, transforming what could have been a ceremonial recognition into a message of hope for future generations.Born in Sierra Vista, Arizona, without arms due to a rare congenital condition, Cox has spent her life challenging assumptions about disability and redefining what others believed was impossible. In 2008, she made history as the world’s first licensed armless pilot, earning international recognition for flying an aircraft using only her feet.But aviation is only one part of her story. Cox is also a motivational speaker, taekwondo black belt, author, and founder of the Rightfooted Foundation International, which advocates for children and families with disabilities while promoting inclusion and innovation.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779854736089Photo 1 (1).jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Jessica Cox and her father, Bill Cox, view her Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame portrait"/>Jessica Cox and her father, Bill Cox, view her Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame portrait</div><div>&#x27;Believe in yourself&#x27;</div>Standing before fellow aviators, supporters, family, and friends, Cox spoke less about accolades and more about belief.“Sometimes you need someone who believes in you more than you can believe in yourself,” she said. “Belief is powerful.”For Cox, the Hall of Fame recognition carries significance beyond joining Arizona’s aviation pioneers. It represents visibility for young people who may have never seen themselves reflected in spaces like aviation, particularly those living with disabilities who have been told their dreams are out of reach.Her journey has inspired audiences worldwide not only because she became a pilot, but because she challenged the limitations others tried to place on her.Cox’s accomplishments extend far beyond the cockpit.She has traveled internationally, sharing her story of resilience, courage, and determination, encouraging others to challenge the limitations placed before them.Her impact has resonated strongly within both the disability community and the Filipino American community, where many see her achievements as a source of pride.But for Cox, the greatest barriers have never simply been physical.Her message has long centered on mindset, faith, and possibility.“With God, all things are possible,” she said.“I thank Pima Air &amp; Space Museum for this opportunity to be an example to the young people, to the next generation of aviators, and to all those who believe that disability does not mean inability.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779856033074rotate.jpg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Jessica Cox with her husband, Patrick Chamberlain, and her father, Bill Cox, beside her Hall of Fame portrait"/>Jessica Cox with her husband, Patrick Chamberlain, and her father, Bill Cox, beside her Hall of Fame portrait</div><div>Opportunity to inspire</div>The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark on aviation history in the state. Now, Cox’s portrait will stand among those pioneers inside a museum dedicated to preserving the history of flight.But unlike many Hall of Fame honors centered solely on career achievement, Cox sees hers as an opportunity to inspire future dreamers.One presenter at the ceremony reflected on that significance, saying Cox has not only opened doors, but continues to leave them open for those who follow behind her, perhaps even for the next armless pilot.Her story resonates far beyond aviation, speaking to anyone who has faced doubt, limitations, or fear while pursuing what once seemed impossible.For Cox, becoming part of Arizona aviation history may not be the greatest achievement of all. More meaningful, perhaps, is the possibility that her story inspires someone else to believe in what once felt impossible.As Cox reminded the audience, disability does not mean inability — a message that extends far beyond aviation.

Filipino American pilot Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, has been inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in a life defined by breaking barriers and inspiring others.

Filipino American pilot Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, has been inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in a life defined by breaking barriers and inspiring others.

Fil-Am pilot Jessica Cox inducted into Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame

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Fil-Am pilot Jessica Cox inducted into Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame

ABS-CBN News,

John Saavedra

Published May 27, 2026 12:28 PM PHT

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overseas Filipinos

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Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame

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