JOE COLE
Professional magician
By Jay Smith | jays@modelaircraft.org
JAY SMITH: How did you become involved in model aviation?
JOE COLE: In my hometown of Bowling Green, Missouri, my dad used to sell those Guillows’s airplanes at his pharmacy. I used to build lightweight balsa airplanes out of balsa sticks and Saran Wrap. Eventually, I saved enough money to buy a single-channel airplane with an Ace R/C Galloping Ghost engine, but after much frustration, I gave up the hobby.
I caught the bug again 20 years later when I moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and could hear people flying at Standing Bear Lake with the Omahawks R/C flying club. I was hooked again!
JS: How has model aviation impacted your life and/or career?
JC: I’ve had many hobbies, but model aviation has some of the best people—always willing to lend a hand and share ideas. I don’t know how many times I have forgotten a tool, glue, or glow plug and someone says, “Got ya covered!”
JS: What disciplines of modeling do you currently participate in?
JC: I love flying my Old-Timers, but I’m probably known for my autogyros that I build and fly. I like looking around the flying field and figuring out what people don’t have and building that!
JS: What other hobbies do you have?
JC: I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a hobby, but I’ve been performing magic shows since I was a kid. Now it’s my full-time job (22 years and counting), entertaining all ages in the Midwest. I also enjoy restoring pinball machines and have been selling those during the slow season.
JS: Who or what has influenced you the most?
JC: I’ve enjoyed many different genres of modeling, but the most fun I’ve had has been with my autogyros. Richard Harris, in the UK, and Dave Surace, in New Jersey, (who are big contributors to the hobby) took me under their wings (rotor blades). In the last 14 years, they’ve helped me build more than 25 autogyros!
JS: What do you enjoy most about performing magic?
JC: The best part of my job is seeing joy in people’s faces. There’s nothing more enjoyable than creating a magic moment for an adult and watching them become a kid again with wonderment and amazement. I also enjoy entertaining at schools and hearing the kids’ laughter! Nothing better!
