Press Release: Rightfooted Foundation International and Pima Air & Space Museum Announce Jessica Cox’s Induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
For Immediate Release
TUCSON, Ariz., Tuesday, April 21, 2026 — Rightfooted Foundation International (RFI), in collaboration with Pima Air & Space Museum, is proud to announce that Jessica Cox will be inducted into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame on Friday, May 15, 2026, during an evening ceremony at Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson. The event is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will honor three 2026 inductees: Jessica Cox, Frank Schiel Jr., and James K. Johnson.
Cox, an Arizona-based advocate and aviator, is widely recognized as the first licensed armless airplane pilot. Her induction recognizes not only a historic aviation achievement but also her continuing influence on the future of flight through advocacy, public engagement, and disability-led innovation. Through her work with RFI, Cox has helped broaden public understanding of disability in aviation and has created new points of possibility for children, families, and aspiring pilots.
“Saying I’m proud of her can’t fully encompass what I feel,” said Patrick Chamberlain, Jessica Cox’s husband and Inclusive Engineering Director for RFI. “Jessica’s induction into the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame recognizes both what she has accomplished and what she continues to do. She has helped shed light on the many pilots with disabilities in aviation and shown the world that disability does not mean inability.”
The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, located at Pima Air & Space Museum, was established in 1985 by a joint proclamation of the Governor of Arizona, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Tucson. The Hall of Fame serves as a permanent tribute to Arizonans who have played a role in, or made significant contributions to, aviation and aerospace history. It is housed in the museum’s Dorothy Finley Aerospace Gallery and is operated as part of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation.
This year’s induction class reflects the depth and range of Arizona’s aviation legacy. Alongside Cox, the Hall of Fame will honor Frank Schiel Jr., a Phoenix-born and Prescott-raised Flying Tigers aviator credited with seven Japanese aircraft destroyed during World War II, and James K. Johnson, a Phoenix-born U.S. Air Force colonel and Korean War double ace credited with ten aerial victories in Korea.
For RFI, Cox’s induction is especially meaningful because it places her in the broader story of Arizona aviation while underscoring the continued relevance of her work today. As a pilot, speaker, and leader, Cox has helped challenge outdated assumptions about disability and expand the conversation about who belongs in aviation. RFI’s work builds on that same principle by advancing independence, mentorship, education, advocacy, and innovation for people without arms.
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Media are invited to attend the induction ceremony and are encouraged to coordinate in advance regarding coverage opportunities and interview requests.
RFI Media Contact:
Patrick Chamberlain
Inclusive Engineering Director
Rightfooted Foundation International www.rightfooted.org
patrick@rightfooted.org
(520) 505-1359
About Rightfooted Foundation International
Rightfooted Foundation International empowers people without arms through mentorship, education, advocacy, and innovation. Founded on the principle that independence should be expected, supported, and made visible, RFI develops practical tools, mentorship opportunities, and public education efforts that help individuals and families build lives defined by dignity, capability, and possibility.
Headshots of Jessica: https://pictures.fearlessjessica.com
Aviation/Action pictures of Jessica: https://morepictures.fearlessjessica.com
Flying Video of Jessica: https://workdrive.rightfooted.com/external/f92551ca739555d9679635e4366fa2d96bcc6f00791a15f96fb00e3d3d32ac8c
Pima Air and Space Museum Media Contact:
Andrew Boehly
Director of Collections
Pima Air & Space Museum
aboehly@pimaair.org
(520) 618-4817
About the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, located at Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, honors Arizonans who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace history. Established in 1985, it preserves and celebrates the state’s aviation legacy as part of the Arizona Aerospace Foundation.
