Joe Cook is a giant hulk of a man: imagine grey-haired grizzly bear with a pilot’s license and a southern accent. He loomed over both me and his petite wife, Nena, but after 44 years of marriage she’s used to it. Cook has 74 years on his personal Hobbs, and while he may not be nimble as he once was he remains unabashedly passionate about all things aeronautical. He invited me to chat in the back of his hangar, away from the giggles of the New Year’s party and closer to the bar, as he shared his aviation story. Unexpectedly, it started badly: life got in the way, then a war, then a business to run, and a family to raise. But first, a word about the party itself. Cue the champagne!
