<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3681441/Woman-born-with-no-arms-becomes-first-pilot-to-fly-plane-using-only-feet.html>Woman born with no arms becomes first pilot to fly plane using only feet
A 25-year-old woman with no arms has become the first pilot ever to fly a plane using only her feet. Last Updated: 5:21PM GMT 08 Dec 2008 Woman born with no arms becomes first pilot to fly plane using Now she's mastered flying a plane Jessica can move onto new challenges on her list, among them rock climbing Photo: JESSICA COX MOTIVATIONAL SERVICES <http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QuMHSFPOzpc&feature=related>Jessica Cox suffered a rare birth defect and was born without any arms. The psychology graduate can write, type, drive a car, brush her hair and talk on her phone simply using her feet. Ms Cox, from Tuscon, Arizona, USA, is also a former dancer and double black belt in Tai Kwon-Do. She said: "I never say, 'I can't do that'. I just say, 'I haven't worked it out yet,'" said Jessica. "Putting my hair in a pony tail and rock climbing are still on my list. Those rubber hair ties get me every time." She explained "I was born this way so I've just learned to adapt." "When I was born my parents were shocked. But they never made me feel like I was any different. "Other people always stared at me or made comments but I turned negative feelings into something positive. It's made me very driven." The only thing she was afraid of was flying. She said: "I've been terrified and fascinated of flying for as long as I can remember. "I remember at school I couldn't go on the swings or monkey bars because they were impossible for me to play on. "I used to shut my eyes and imagine myself flying over the playground like Superwoman instead." She grew up worried every time she had be an aeroplane passenger. But three years ago she was given the chance to overcome her fears. She said: "A fighter pilot, who represents the charity Wright Flight asked me if I'd like to try flying one myself. "At first I thought he was nuts. I would have been scared enough if I had arms, let alone without them. "But he kept insisting I would love it and so I started to see it as the ultimate challenge." She learned to fly in rudderless light Ercoupe aircraft, where you only need your hands to control it rather than both hands and feet. She took three years instead of the usual six months to complete her lightweight aircraft licence, had three flying instructors and practiced 89 hours of flying. She said: "The first time my instructor let me take the controls I remember being terrified but I was hooked immediately. "Most people were encouraging - but some thought I was taking a dangerous risk. I had to be very determined and persistent. "It took me three hard years to complete - but it is the most fantastic feeling in the world. Ms Cox is now training to become an instructor - so she can help other disabled people learn to fly. "There are so many ways that disabilities can make people believe that they 'can't' achieve their dreams," said Jessica, who has not used artificial arms since was 13. "But I'm evidence that you can." <*}}}>< <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/please%20donate.html>Donations are needed and very much appreciated <*}}}>< <*}}}>< <http://www.holypostage.com/>Holy Postage <*}}}>< <*}}}><<http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Half the <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Kingdom!<*}}}>< Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue with Your help, so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. <*}}}>< <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/please%20donate.html>Donations are needed and very much appreciated <*}}}>< <*}}}>< <http://www.holypostage.com/>Holy Postage <*}}}>< <*}}}><<http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Half the <http://www.halfthekingdom.org/>Kingdom!<*}}}>< Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue with Your help, so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Please note that I do not send or open attachments sent to this list. You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Catholics on Fire" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Catholics-on-Fire May the blessing of Jesus and our Blessed Mother be with you -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
