Meet The Team

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 Director

Simon 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 Training

Instructor & 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 Operations

Glynn 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 Examiner

Rob 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 Instructor

Tom 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 Instructor

Derek 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 Instructor

Part 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 Instructor

Part 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 Instructor

Part 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 & Examiner

Dave 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 Instructor

Ali 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 >>

Piers Smerdon

Flight Instructor / FIC Instructor

Piers has extensive instructional experience and is able to instruct towards all ratings.

Mark Byrom

Flight Instructor & Examiner

Mark 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.

Claire Leadbetter

Chief Flying Instructor

Claire is able to instruct towards PPL / LAPL and night rating.

Phil Walker

Flight Instructor

Phil 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: