Jessica Cox will share the extraordinary journey that took her from being born without arms to becoming the world’s first licensed armless pilot, the result of her unshakable determination, creativity, and refusal to accept limitations. Now, Jessica is taking her story to new heights as she prepares to fly The Impossible Airplane—the first aircraft custom-built for an armless pilot—set to debut at AirVenture 2026 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This presentation offers a rare glimpse into the groundbreaking innovation, resilience, and teamwork behind the project, and will inspire you to embrace challenges and reimagine what is possible.

Jessica Cox is a renowned motivational speaker who has been featured on TV shows such as Ellen, CNN, National Geographic, Fox & Friends, and BBC News. Over an 18-year speaking career, she has inspired audiences in twenty-eight countries, reaching 40,000 people at a time. She is the author of Disarm Your Limits, an autobiographical self-help book that has sold over 10,000 copies. When she’s not soaring through the skies, Jessica trains in Taekwondo, holding a Fourth Degree Black Belt.

This presentation delves into the mental performance skills that distinguish good pilots from great ones. Attendees will learn practical techniques used by elite aviators to build cognitive resilience, manage anxiety and imposter syndrome, maintain sharp focus during complex operations, recover from mistakes and setbacks, and transform perfectionist tendencies into confident preparation. Tammy will share real stories from the cockpit and provide tools pilots can implement immediately in their flying.

Tammy Barlette is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, A-10 pilot with over 3,000 hours, former T-38 instructor pilot, and founder of Crosscheck Mental Performance Training, an aviation-specific mental performance training company.

This presentation equips pilots and student pilots with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the FAA medical certification process confidently. Attendees will learn how to anticipate and avoid common medical pitfalls, prepare documentation, and navigate FAA expectations— to stay flight-ready without unnecessary delays. The session features real-world scenarios, concise reference checklists, and time for interactive Q&A, providing a comprehensive understanding of the process. 

Dr. Rachael Ferraro is the owner of Aviate Medical PLLC in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she helps pilots navigate the medical certification process with clarity and care. She writes the “Ask the AME” column in The Ninety-Nines Magazine, providing trusted guidance to aviators on health and safety in aviation. A frequent speaker at aviation events, she is passionate about supporting pilots both in the cockpit and beyond.

What’s changed in air racing over the past five decades? Quite a lot! Jeanné Willerth began racing planes alongside her mother and her flight instructor more than 50 years ago. In this engaging presentation, she will share how the sport has evolved—from paper charts to glass cockpits, from weather guessing to precision forecasting, and from skirts to skorts. Join Jeanné for a fascinating stroll through the many ways air racing has transformed since the 1970s.

Jeanné is a CFI, CFII, MEI, and ATP with over 4200 flight hours.  Jeanné loves flying Charlie, her Cessna 182, in air races as team “SHEnanigans.” She has trained pilots and re-certified flight instructors nationwide for AOPA, where she teaches the Rusty Pilot course. A passionate educator and aviator, Jeanné was named the 2012 FAASTeam Representative of the Year and 2015 FAA Central Region CFI of the Year. She also volunteers with Angel Flight Central, Challenge Air, and the EAA Young Eagles program.

Are you ready to have fun AND get Wings Credit? If so, this program is a must-attend. Dr Thao Do will present an Aviation version of the beloved game show Jeopardy, where we will split into teams and play. This is a fun opportunity to brush up on your FAR/AIM, charts, airport markings, and pretend you are a contestant on Jeopardy!

Dr. Thao Do is an FAA Gold Seal CFI, CFII, and MEI, FAA Safety Representative, and NAFI Master Flight Instructor. She teaches pilots from teenagers to Air Force officers and airline professionals, guiding them from private through instructor levels. Beyond the flight deck, she writes books and produces educational videos that blend technical precision with mindfulness and wisdom in aviation.

This session will deliver valuable insights for every pilot! Julie and Lauren will dive into the latest tips, common pitfalls, and "gotchas" for the Sport Pilot, Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI check rides, both oral and flight portions of the practical exam. Even if you are not currently training, you will walk away better informed and better equipped to support your fellow pilots. Don't miss this opportunity to stay sharp and up to date!  

Julie Keane has enjoyed a career in aviation for over 40 years. Julie’s designations, ratings, and certificates include DPE, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, and SES. She has had the privilege of flying over eighty different types of aircraft, ranging from a J-3 Cub to a Citation Jet. A member of the San Diego Chapter, Julie has been a proud Ninety-Nine for decades.

Lauren Scott is a second-generation pilot, following in the footsteps of her father and aunt, Mary Webb Nicholson — a charter Ninety-Nine and WWII ATA ferry pilot. After a 17-year break raising three children, Lauren returned to flying as her teen-aged daughter’s instructor. She went on to instruct many more students, fly PC-12s as a corporate pilot, serve as a Designated Pilot Examiner, and fly the Airbus A319/320 as an airline pilot. A member of the Las Vegas Chapter, Lauren is an AEMSF award recipient, two-time Air Race Classic champion, and the 2025 Southwest Section Professional Woman Pilot of the Year.