Inspirational Tuesday: Meet the world’s first armless pilot

Loading player...
Jessica Cox readies for take off. Butterflies buzz in her stomach as she gives the yoke a gentle nudge. With her eyes fixed on the runway, she thrusts into the air at 100 kilometers an hour. This is no ordinary ascent though, Cox has just made history, she is the first armless pilot to fly. Despite being born with a rare birth defect, Cox was enrolled in a public school and quickly gained her independence. Cox went on to graduate from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology and Communication, and her accomplishments only skyrocketed from there.

While Cox surpassed expectations, there was one fear that she was determined to overcome: flying. After three years of training, she soared through the sky controlling the plane with just her feet. In 2008, Cox landed in the history books as the world’s first licenced armless pilot.
16 Feb 2021 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Durban mum builds digital village for mothers in need

A Durban mother is transforming lives with a digital village that uplifts and connects mothers nationwide. Rochelle Rae spoke to East Coast Radio about her self-funded project feeding families and providing much-needed grocery vouchers. Listen to the full conversation here…
19 Dec 7 min

Lloyiso joins J Sbu in studio talking all things music

South African singer Lloyiso joined J Sbu in studio today talking all things music and his Elephant in the Room tour. The Eastern Cape native even spent time trying to teach J Sbu how to do a musical run. If you missed it live, listen to the full conversation here…
19 Dec 13 min

SharksFest 2025: East Coast Radio calls on Jacaranda FM

In the lead-up to SharksFest, Stacey and J Sbu called their sister station, Jacaranda FM to chat with JacaDrive hosts Rob and Roz. With the Sharks taking on the Bulls this SharksFest, it was important to the Drive duo to get in touch with their frenemies... Rob and Roz got…
10 Dec 3 min

Lego League success: Northlands Primary's Smooth Sailors head to South Korea

As we close off Kiddies’ Hotline for the year, we’re celebrating a proudly KZN story that is making waves far beyond our coastline. Northlands Primary’s First Lego League team, the Smooth Sailors, have just made history. After an incredible performance at the national “Unearthed” First Lego League competition in Johannesburg,…
10 Dec 5 min