Grand Champion 2023

Gone West: Nick Pocock

Nicholas Guy Pocock, 75, of China Spring, Texas, passed away Sunday November 29, 2009, at his residence. Nick was member # 280 of the National Antique Airplane Association and a long time Texas Chapter member.

Nick was born June 15, 1934 in London, England. He served in Great Britain's Royal Air Force. He was Britain's top aerobatic pilot in 1962-1963, winner of the Pearl Hyde Trophy. In September of 1963, he came to Texas to fly an air show with Waco aerobat Frank Price, whom he had met at the World Aerobatics in Hungary. He married Alvena Prause Trull on Dec.7, 1963 in China Spring. He was injured in 1964 while flying for Delta Cropdusting. He was an Engineer for Certainteed Products in Hillsboro, Texas for 16 years. Then he was an engineering professor at T.S.T.C. for 20 years, retiring in 2005. Nick also wrote two books, "Grumman/Schweizer AG-CAT" and "Did W.D. Custead Fly First" and wrote in several magazines both here and abroad. He was a member of Institute of Mechanical Engineers-Great Britain, Antique Airplane Association, Experimental Aircraft Association-Waco Chapter 59, OX-5 Aero Club, Tigers Club-England and U.S. He attended and participated in air shows worldwide.

He was a true Aviator in every sense of the word. A humble and mannered gentleman in every respect, he will be missed greatly by those who knew him.

-Dick Ramsey

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