Press Release: “The Impossible Airplane” Reveals Final Livery, Signaling Home Stretch for Historic Aircraft Designed for Armless Pilot Jessica Cox
For Immediate Release
Tucson, AZ – Twenty years after beginning flight training, Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed pilot to fly using only her feet, is nearing the completion of an aircraft unlike any other. The Impossible Airplane, the first aircraft designed from the ground up to be flown entirely with feet, revealed its final livery today, a milestone five years in the making.
The announcement lands on the anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight, a fitting moment to mark a new chapter in inclusive aviation.
Cox earned her Sport Pilot license in 2008, flying a standard Ercoupe with her feet. But while that aircraft proved what was possible, it wasn’t suited for long-distance travel or outreach. In 2020, her nonprofit, Rightfooted Foundation International (RFI), launched a new mission: to build a purpose-designed aircraft capable of cross-country travel and engineered entirely around foot-only controls.
Today’s livery reveal, designed by Mirco Pecorari of AircraftStudioDesign, blends symbolism and function. A Möbius twist represents transformation. Ancient Filipino script and a graphic footprint reflect Jessica’s heritage and the mission of RFI.
While the livery reveal does not signal flight readiness, it reflects growing momentum and public confidence as the team heads toward a full unveiling at EAA AirVenture this summer.
“Revealing the paint scheme now means we believe in the timeline, we believe in the mission, and we’re inviting people to follow the final stretch to AirVenture,” said Patrick Chamberlain, Inclusive Engineering Director at RFI.
As of December 2025, all major components are on site: airframe, Lycoming IO-540 engine, Hartzell composite propeller, avionics from Advanced Flight Systems, and more. The airframe is assembled thanks to over 2,000 volunteer hours from EAA Chapter 898.
The aircraft is scheduled for first flight in June 2026, followed by a public premiere at AirVenture in July at the Lycoming Engines booth.
This moment also aligns with broader changes in general aviation. As the FAA’s MOSAIC framework expands access for Sport Pilots, The Impossible Airplane demonstrates how thoughtful design can increase access without compromising standards.
“The Sport Pilot pathway has opened doors for people with disabilities,” said Chamberlain. “MOSAIC makes this the right moment to ask who else belongs in the sky.”
Backed by partners including Van’s Aircraft, Lycoming Engines, Hartzell, Advanced Flight Systems, AeroLEDs, and others, the project combines technical rigor with deep purpose. Each partner contributes not just components but credibility. Complete details are available at www.ImpossibleAirplane.com.
There will only ever be one first aircraft purpose-built for a pilot without arms. For Jessica Cox and Rightfooted Foundation, it’s not just about reaching new destinations. It’s about expanding what’s possible, and who belongs in the world of flight.
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Rightfooted Foundation International (RFI) empowers people without arms to live independently through mentorship, adaptive tools, and advocacy. RFI leads global conversations at the intersection of disability and innovation, with a mission to build systems that recognize ability, not limitations. https://www.rightfooted.org
Download livery images and additional materials at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/5iyt9utt8et6oz69uu106/ADEL2g9MC6UqYRT-Vlo8UwI?rlkey=tc7mcw9fyqyngfwktgvxlk7h9&dl=0
What a replay of the live stream reveal of the livery at https://youtu.be/uwai0NoBy-E
