We have a core team of in-house instructors as well as a number of other instructors / examiners that work in commercial aviation and come to teach with us in their spare time. Collectively we have a wide range of skills, experience and qualifications for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Read on to find out more…
Simon Kalas
Managing DirectorSimon helped found Almat Flying Academy, driven by his passion for aviation. Aside from managing the flying school, he also holds a LAPL License and loves to fly any chance he can get. Read his full bio >>
Steve Mason
Head of TrainingInstructor & examiner for PPL & LAPL, FRTOL and ratings including Night Rating, IR (R) and Flight Instructor. Also an examiner for the CAA PPl / LAPL theory exams Read his full bio >>
Glynn Matthews
Head of OperationsGlynn oversees the day to day running of the business operations including organising flight bookings and aircraft maintenance. He is also a pilot holding a PPL license. Read his full bio >>
Dr. Rob Simpson
Aeromedical ExaminerRob is a keen pilot and Aeromedical Examiner (AME). He offers medical examinations for pilots and cabin crew at Almat Flying Academy on Tuesdays. Read his full bio >>
Tom Berkley
Flight InstructorTom is part of our core team of instructors, providing training for PPL (A) , LAPL (A) plus Night and IR(R) ratings. He is also an examiner for the CAA theory exams required for the issue of a PPL, LAPL. Read his full bio >>
DEREK CLEWS
Flight InstructorDerek is part of our core team of instructors. He racked up 13,700 flight hours during his 22 year career flying for regional airlines. Also an examiner for the CAA PPl / LAPL theory exams. Read his full bio>>
Will Pett
Flight InstructorPart of our core team of instructors, Will joined us in April 2022. Providing training for PPL (A) , LAPL (A) and SEP ratings.
Ted Needham-Williams
Flight InstructorPart of our core team of instructors, Ted joined us in October 2022. Providing training for PPL (A) , LAPL (A) and SEP ratings. Read his full bio>>
James Cadman
Flight InstructorPart of our core team of instructors. James joined us in July 2022. Providing training for PPL (A) , LAPL (A) and SEP ratings. Read his full bio>>
Dave Stapleton
Flight Instructor & ExaminerDave is a commercial pilot and is abla able to offer instruction and examination for LAPL (A) and PPL (A) as well as SEP, MEP, Night and IR (R) ratings.
Ali Ashgar
Flight InstructorAli has been a certified flight instructor for Almat Flying Academy for the past 4 years. providing instruction for the PPL (A) and LAPL (A). Read his full bio >>
Neil Hawkyard
Flight InstructorNeil has extensive experience flying wide body jets for commercial airlines. As an instructor he teaches LAPL & PPL Licences as well as SEP, MEP, Night, IR (R) and aerobatics ratings.
Mark Byrom
Flight Instructor & ExaminerMark is an instructor and examiner for LAPL (A) and PPL) and IR (R), SEP, MEP, Night and Aerobatics ratings. When he is not doing this he works for a large commercial aviation company.
Phil Marshall Lee
Flight Instructor and ExaminerPhil provides instruction towards PPL (A), LAPL (A), Night and SEP Re-validations. As an examiner Phil is also able to undertake skills tests for the the PPL (A) and LAPL (A). Read his full bio >>
Phil Walker
Flight InstructorPhil is a commercial pilot of 737´s. When he is not flying commercially he works with us as an instructor providing training for LAPL & PPL licenses as well as SEP and night ratings.
What Our Customers Say About Our Instructors:
I had really enjoyed the flight experience. It was my first time ever flying and the instructor was really helpful as well and everybody in the facility. Instructor gave me brief explanation and made me comfortable with the plane. Taking control of the plane and flying around was an incredible experience. Definitely would recommend flying with Almat Flying Academy.
Saad
05:46 23 Nov 23
Took a 30min introductory flight lesson with Neil, a seasoned Pilot and flight instructor, the lesson went by in a flash but was filled with tons of info and skills, along with a Great instructor. The C152 used was perfect for beginners, allowing for some leeway and simplicity to the flight, quite like the larger C172. Definitely would recommend and I may even be returning for a PPL!
Hubert L.
00:23 09 Oct 23
I had the pleasure of an extented flying lesson yesterday, what an Incredible experience! Almat flying academy were amazing and Claire the instructor was incredible! Something I will definitely do again.
Sue W
08:30 14 Jun 23
Probably the best flying school in the region. Competitively priced and the staff and instructors have a sense of humour (just don't use words like impact and crash!)There's a fledgling branch over at Sywell too
Micky P
18:22 15 Feb 23
A really great one hour experience for our son who is looking at a career in aviation. His instructor, Tom, was very professional and helpful and made sure that our son got as much out of the hour as possible.Would thoroughly recommend.
Simon W.
11:30 17 Jan 23
Great 30 minute flight that was a Christmas present really enjoyed the fight and the instructor was brilliantThank you so muchWill do it again sometimeDave Roberts
dave R.
13:14 08 Jan 23
I booked a day in the life of a pilot, and I have walked away with so much knowledge!! My instructor Ali, (sorry if I spell your name wrong!) Was absolutely phenomenal. So positive, laid back and calm in his approach. Thank you for an amazing experience and I will be back to book again soon!
Lewis S.
17:06 17 Dec 22
Fantastic! They're teaching my daughter to fly and she's simply loving the experience. The instructors are excellent. The customer service is wonderful. If you want to learn to fly, contact Almat Flying Academy in Coventry, UK.
Mass H.
13:26 27 Mar 22
Excellent
davelecci
20:17 11 May 21
I was one of those who got their flying lesson voucher on their birthday. I was pretty excited and arranged a lesson with Almat. All I was supposed to get was some basic navigating bordering on boring. This has all changed when I've met my flying instructor. Now within the 30 minutes of our time he has turned me into a MAN! Who can boast that they've done a barrel roll, inside loop, inverted flying up to 4Gs on their first lesson?! My expectation of an ordinary experience has turned into the most amazing! And he has even made a video of it for me and gave a voucher for a pint in a nearby pub! Thank you, Almat Aviation!
Arthur B.
15:01 03 May 21
I've been flying with Almat for approx 18 months now. They are a great bunch! Friendly, professional & extremely helpful. Carmen my instructor is superb at her job. Carmen is patient and knows the right time to give me some extra encouragement to build my confidence when needed. Steve is great too. He is always polite and has helped me many times with ground school. Ben and Simon also deserve a mention as part of the great bunch! I'd like to think I have made a few friends there too!
Anthony M.
17:47 30 Sep 20
I have been a member with Almat since June 2019 and am working towards my PPL(A) with my instructor Carmen. My progress has been good and I am nearly ready for my Qualifying Cross Coubtry flight
Paul H.
15:46 30 Sep 20
After a 15 year break from training, I resumed my training with Almat, and within just a few months I had gained my PPL(A). I particularly like the friendly atmosphere at Almat, and the professionalism of the instructors. I would give a special mention to Carmen Gardien, who guided me through the latter part of my training and always made flying fun. The ongoing membership programme is very useful giving decent discounts on training and aircraft hire. Definitely recommended.
Karl G.
15:20 30 Sep 20
In the past week, I have achieved my PPL with Almat Flying Academy. Being a member of this wonderful school has allowed me to gain the confidence and experience required for a future career in the skies. My flight instructor Carmen is a great teacher and made every moment interesting and exciting.
Cain G.
15:12 30 Sep 20
Great experience, friendly and good customer service
pavan kumar V.
15:05 07 Sep 20
Had a great time and would highly recommend Almat Flying Academy.My instructor Steve Mason made the experience amazing. Everything was explained in detail and made the flight unforgettable.
Kevin K.
14:35 30 Aug 20
Completed my medical flight test. Very good customer service. Phil being my instructor did a very good job of everything. Very good prices as well.
Ahmet G.
18:08 20 Aug 20
After beginning to get nervous on commercial planes I decided to have a flying lesson at Almat. My instructor Ali was brilliant at explaining the whole process, the pre-flight checks, what is going on in the air, and what pilots are looking out for, and of course how I was going to fly! He applied this information to commercial flying too and has very much set my mind at ease.The flight itself was incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. We saw plenty of the local landmarks, and I had control for most of the flight. Ali has a great sense of humour too!This is absolutely something I will do again, and I urge everybody to give this a go!
Gareth R.
12:11 26 Mar 20
16/10/2019Had a fantastic flying experience with my son for his 18th birthday. We each had 30 mins in the co-pilot seat and 30 mins as a passenger in the 4 seater Cessna 172. Carmen was a brilliant pilot, guide and instructor. She let us at the controls for almost every manoeuvre (except take-off and landing) and was funny and engaging as well as informative. We flew over Rugby, Leamington, Warwick, Gaydon and everywhere in between. Such a brilliant time. Thank you Almat Flying Academy!
Nick T.
07:52 23 Oct 19
Wow! What a brilliant experience! I was bought the extended flying lesson as a gift from my family and it certainly didn't disappoint.Started with a briefing in the classroom by Simon and although I didn't really know anything about the technicalities of flying this short briefing really helped to prime me for what was to come.Once out on the tarmac I was handed over to my instructor, Steve and we were soon underway. Nothing really beats that take off moment which was my first in a light aircraft. Weather was overcast with cloud layer at around 3000ft which we were soon above, making for another great dimension to the experience. Steve was great at explaining everything as he was going along (even if I didn't really understand some of it!) and I very quickly felt at ease. I was surprised/delighted at how immersive and hands on the experience was and it went so quickly!Once back on the ground I found myself discussing course options (which i hadn't planned to!) and finding more out about the academy, which Simon talked me through.All in all an experience I hope I don't ever forget! Thanks guys, might be seeing you again!
Jonny H.
22:51 12 Oct 19
I did a 30 minutes trial Arial lesson on 12th October. Since I did it early morning 9am it was a great experience. The weather was perfect, the skies were clear and the instructor Steve Mason was really helpful. I also got my photographs clicked and printed during the entire experience for an additional of £15/-.
Komal J.
19:56 12 Oct 19
Had a lesson today, my second in 12 months. Todays instructor, Neil, took me up in a Cessna 152. Weather was gorgeous and I had control for most of the flight. Almat’s professionalism and attention to detail in all aspects, on the ground and in the air, was first class. Will certainly be back in the near future. Thanks guys.
Steve L.
17:47 21 Sep 19
Excellent flight experience on 19th September with our instructor Steve. Would recommend to anyone. A great day for myself and friend Jo plus our guest mascot - Norman. Thanks Almat.
Hazel L.
19:45 20 Sep 19
Trusted Professionals Limited has been working with Almat Flying Academy for nearly 3 years on both a professional and personal basis within the aviation arena. Almat are professional with friendly staff willing to help in any way they can.Carmen and Steve are very knowledgeable pilots with a wealth of experience I would therefore have no hesitation in recommending Almat to anyone wishing to complete their PPL or even for pleasure flights.The only single negative I have is that sometimes the chocolate does run out but rest assured, the staff will do their best to deliver and indeed they do.
John S.
13:52 04 Sep 19
We have booked several lessons for our Grandson Caden at Almat. The staff are amazing and so helpfull. Caden is only 13 years old and has learnt so much from flying with them and assisting him to reach his goal to become a pilot in the Air Force. Thanks to C Gardien his instructor yesterday, who gave us good feedback.
Angela C.
12:58 30 Aug 19
Almat have consistently delivered fantastic training at a competitive price. The friendly and enthusiastic staff are brilliant and really help to suck you into what will become an addictive if slightly expensive hobby. Still the most excitement you can have with your trousers on!
Adam B.
12:36 17 Jul 19
I had an absolutely fantastic time, was amazed at how much I was aloud to do myself, I had a 1/2hr flying lesson in the two seater Cessna, my instructor was Carmen & she was brilliant, it was a treat for my 60th Birthday, I really want to come back & do it again, thank you so much for such an amazing experience xx
Jane B.
16:31 22 Aug 18
Fantastic flying lesson experience. Great instructor and had lots of control of the plane. Nice staff and easy going atmosphere.
Diana H.
16:03 10 Aug 18
Had a fab flying lesson, a birthday gift ...thanks to Steve the instructor very knowledgeable, loved every minute would recommend to everyone
Naz H.
12:59 18 Jun 18
Bought my partner a flight lesson 45 mins great experience all the staff there were very friendly and helpful especially the young man on the front desk... showed us the route he was on got a radio so we could also hear when he was about to land 😊 his instructor was also very nice and ensured him as he was quite nervous... would definitely go back there fantastic present
Sharon A B.
14:55 12 Feb 18
First lesson yesterday ,a Father’s Day present from my daughter, great briefing from Dave, funny and informative, instructor Ian, a crazy Scot, was very experienced and totally chilled out, made me feel very relaxed and gained confidence as the flight progressed, all in all, a great experience and booking a further 2 hours very soon, already started my flight log with the intention of working towards my P.P.I. thanks to all at Almat Aviation.
Les S.
19:24 16 Oct 17
amazing experience fantastic instructor Ali. need another lesson? 👍👍✈
Alan J.
06:37 01 Oct 17
Well skies the limit.. Birthday flight from Lynne my wife.Had one cancelllation due to English weather.. But what an experience from start to finish. Pre flight tuition not to serious but you get the gist .lovely people running the experience. Captain Phil who apparently has no sense of direction can't fly and falls asleep at the helm. He was Brill.... started by dragging the plane out thought I had to push it to bump start it ! Taxing along the yellow line then to the runway ! Yes ! 65 knots pull back and up we went, climbed to 2000ft level off left steep turn right steep,turn,over the bumpy bridge !lifted out of seat. Circled Warwick castle,went round the chimney, it is a wonderful experience.Thank you to all the team, hope I will be back
Paul H.
19:57 22 Sep 17
Cancelled a couple of times but when it finally came together it was well worth the wait. My wife got me the Stunt flight experience with was incredible. Plenty of interaction with the aircraft. Great instructor, super fun from start to finish, brilliant and unique.
Steve D.
18:32 08 Aug 16
Had an amazing time. Very friendly people. Pilot Craig Brian was great instructor. Would definitely do it again.
Carol H.
08:42 24 Jul 16
The instructor was very good and very patient. Even though I was bricking it and to short for flying it was an amazing experience
Maureen L.
19:50 29 May 16
Great experience today at 1300 hrs with instructor mark Byrom thanks for the experience will be doing it again and thanks for letting me fly.
Dean S.
15:31 26 Sep 15