What makes the impossible airplane “impossible”?
Most airplanes are designed with the assumption that the pilot has two arms and two legs. Cockpit controls are arranged to be operated by hands and feet—hands on the throttle, yoke, and switches, and feet on the rudder pedals. But what happens when a pilot doesn’t fit this mold? When they fly with one arm, or even without both arms? The Impossible Airplane project is answering that question by challenging traditional aviation norms, proving that skill and determination—not physical conformity—are what truly matter in the cockpit.
For decades, some pilots with physical differences have navigated aviation’s barriers and gone on to fly commercially or privately. Eric Gaffney, a United Airlines pilot, flies a Boeing 767 with one hand. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost both feet and an arm in Iraq, has continued to fly fixed-wing aircraft. Each of these aviators has adapted to fly in a world not designed with them in mind.
But only one licensed pilot has successfully flown without both arms: Jessica Cox. Jessica uses her feet to do everything from fastening her seatbelt to steering an aircraft, adapting herself to a world that often overlooks people with disabilities. Currently, she flies an Ercoupe—a unique aircraft from the 1930s that, by design, happened to align well with her needs. The Ercoupe’s rudder controls are interconnected with the ailerons, meaning it doesn’t rely on separate foot pedals to operate the rudder. This feature made the Ercoupe a natural fit for Jessica, even though it was never specifically designed with her in mind. The only modification Jessica has made to the Ercoupe is the addition of a four-point harness, installed through a rigorous FAA-approved process.
While the Ercoupe has been a remarkable solution for Jessica, it wasn’t built with her abilities or needs in mind. With The Impossible Airplane project, we’re taking things further, modifying a Van’s RV-10—a popular airframe for general aviation—to be accessible in a way no other aircraft has been before.
Transforming the RV-10 for Accessibility
Modifying an RV-10 to meet Jessica’s needs requires a complete rethink of how the pilot interfaces with the aircraft. Jessica’s unique requirements inspired a design that allows her to control the plane almost entirely with her feet, eliminating the need for conventional hand controls. One of the key innovations we’re developing is an electronic supplement to the RV-10’s mechanical control systems, allowing Jessica to operate the throttle and other critical systems without needing to take her feet off the flight controls as frequently. This not only adds to her comfort and control but also enhances safety.
These electronic systems are supplemental; they don’t replace the RV-10’s mechanical controls but enhance them. In the event of an electronic failure, Jessica, a safety pilot, or a co-pilot can still access and operate the standard mechanical systems. This approach maintains a high level of safety while adapting the aircraft for Jessica’s unique needs.
Innovation and Safety: A Team Effort
Every modification we’re making to The Impossible Airplane has been designed, reviewed, and refined by a team of experienced engineers and aviation professionals. This isn’t a casual project—it’s a highly technical, carefully supervised effort to create an accessible airplane that meets rigorous safety standards. We don’t encourage anyone to modify their aircraft without the guidance of certified professionals. Accessibility in aviation requires expertise, precision, and respect for regulations, and our team is dedicated to ensuring The Impossible Airplane meets those standards.
Redefining What’s Possible in Aviation
The Impossible Airplane is more than just a modified RV-10—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we challenge assumptions about who can fly. By pushing the boundaries of accessible aviation, we’re inviting pilots, designers, and aviation enthusiasts to look beyond traditional limits. This plane is a call for open-mindedness in the aviation community, encouraging people to ask “how?” instead of assuming limits. We hope it will inspire a future where more aircraft are built with accessibility as a priority, and where aspiring pilots with disabilities feel empowered to take to the skies.
Help Us Make History: Support The Impossible Airplane
The Impossible Airplane is more than an aircraft—it’s a movement to show that the skies are open to everyone. By helping us complete this groundbreaking project, you’re supporting a future where aviation is accessible for all. If you believe in redefining limits and opening new doors in aviation, please consider donating to help us finish building this historic plane. Click or tap the “Donate” button at the top of this page to make your contribution.
Together, let’s make the impossible possible.
