Pilot, Innovator Coming to Utah State with Message of Overcoming Limitations

Jessica Cox was born without arms and struggled with self-esteem issues early in her life, but overcame those limitations to become the first armless person in aviation history to be certified as a pilot. Cox visits Utah State University March 29-31, and gives a public talk Thursday from 7-9 p.m. in the Taggart Student Center (TSC) Sunburst Lounge. “Disarm Your Limits” is the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences’ Spring Dean’s Seminar and is free and open to the public.

Andreas Wesemann, assistant professor in USU’s Aviation Technology program, said several of his students heard Cox speak at an aviation conference and urged him to invite her to USU.

“She has a great message about never thinking that you can’t do something,” Wesemann said. “After hearing her and watching her, you’ll go away thinking you have no excuses not to pursue your dreams. She earned a black belt in taekwando. She surfs. She earned a bachelor’s degree.”

According to her biography, Cox’s goal of becoming a pilot took “four airplanes, two flight instructors and a discouraging year to find the right aircraft.” Wesemann added that to become a certified pilot, Cox has to buckle herself in, put on and adjust her headset, open and close doors, complete the preflight check and all other tasks required of a pilot without any assistance.

Wesemann said he looks forward to Cox sharing her love of flying and message of overcoming obstacles to pursue your passion.

Earlier on Thursday, Cox will participate in the university’s first Aviation Career Conference from 1-4 p.m. in the TSC Sunburst Lounge. Aviation and other professionals will meet in small groups with interested students from any major to share advice on career goals, professionalism, career opportunities and networking.

Friday, Cox will be the Common Hour speaker, hosted by the Center for Women and Gender from noon -1 p.m. in the Merrill-Cazier Library, room 208. Participants are invited to bring their lunch. Coffee, tea and water will be provided.

Writer: Lynnette Harris, Lynnette.harris@usu.edu, 435-797-2189 (office), 435-764-6936 (cell)