Head Judge: Martin F Mahoney MA, BSc (Hons)
Martin’s 49 years in aviation spanned both military and commercial operations. During
his 16 years in the RAF, he flew Jaguars and Tornado GR1s. Martin was the Chief
Weapons Instructor and Deputy Squadron Commander on the Tornado Weapons
Conversion Unit, after which he attended the Advanced Staff College.
On transitioning to the commercial world, he flew A320s, A321s and A330s. Martin has
been a Technical Captain and Air Check Pilot; a Simulator Standards Pilot, CRMI/E,
TRI, Fleet Manager and Chief Pilot all with MyTravel Airways/Thomas Cook. He joined
Emirates in Sep 2008 as Senior Vice President Flight Training. On reaching his normal
retirement age in 2022, he was asked to stay on to oversee the return of all pilots who had been made redundant, or were on unpaid leave, due to COVID. He semi-retired the following year as Head of Crew Training for the Airline but agreed to ‘stand-in’ as Head
of Training at Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) for 2 further years, eventually retiring full-time on 31 March 2025. Martin has an Honours degree in Physics from the University of Strathclyde, a Masters Degree in Defence Studies from Kings College London and was Chairman of the UAE Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society for 5 years.
Tim Cheal
Having gained an interest and some aviation experience in the Air Training Corps Tim left school in 1977 and joined the RAF as a pilot. He was initially appointed as a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Jet Provost and later qualified as a QFI on Hawks and Harriers. He served until 1997 on Harrier aircraft in the UK, on exchange in the USA with the US Marine Corps and then back with the RAF in Germany. Tim ended his RAF journey with 3 years as an advisor to RAF aircraft accident boards
with the RAF Flight Safety team. In 1997 Tim joined Airtours International Airways, a Manchester based charter airline, flying the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 as a First Officer. He gained his Command in 2000, became a TRI shortly afterwards and a TRE in 2005. He has completed various management roles in the airline including Head of Safety, Fleet Manager, and was appointed Head of Training for My Travel Airlines (renamed from Airtours). Tim held this post holder position from 2005 until 2016 for My Travel and subsequently Thomas Cook Airlines following the MyTravel and Thomas Cook airlines merger. Tim became a Senior Examiner in 2012. He converted to the Airbus A320 in Summer 2014, and the A330 a year later. Tim served on the CHIRP Air Transport Advisory Board from 2012 to 2021, including as a Trustee for CHIRP from 2016 to 2021. When Thomas Cook went into administration in 2019 Tim took on a role as a contracted TRI, TRE and SE running many TRI and TRE courses and seminars along with simulator instruction and examining on the B757, B767, A320 and A330. He retired in December 2025 and continues his aviation interests flying a PA 28 from Barton aerodrome (Manchester City) and other SEP types. He is renewing his FI rating to continue his instructional background, this time on light aircraft. Tim is married with 4 grown children. Since 2009 Tim has had a keen interest in Radio Control model Aircraft which he flies regularly.
Kate West MBE
Kate West MBE gained international recognition as the world’s youngest female commercial Captain, taking command of an easyJet Airbus A320 at age 26. A decade on, now an experienced Captain and Training Manager, she leads easyJet’s MPL programme, supporting cadet pilots while championing aviation careers and inspiring the next generation of aviators.
Kathryn Cleaver, Pilot Manager, TUI Airways
With more than 20 years of experience in aviation, Kathryn Cleaver has built an extensive career spanning airport operations, pilot recruitment, and talent development. As Pilot Manager at TUI Airways, she has played a significant role in shaping the airline’s pilot workforce and creating opportunities for aspiring aviators to achieve their career ambitions.
Kathryn was part of the team that introduced the pioneering Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme into TUI, helping to establish a fully funded pathway into the flight deck. Since its introduction, the programme has provided around 90 individuals with the opportunity to become airline pilots, opening the profession to talented candidates who may not otherwise have been able to pursue a flying career.
For the past 14 years, Kathryn has been responsible for the recruitment of all pilots joining TUI. Throughout this period, she has overseen the attraction, selection and hiring of pilots across the airline, supporting TUI’s growth while ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, safety and operational excellence. Her passion lies in identifying talent, nurturing future aviation professionals and promoting aviation as an accessible and rewarding career.
Prior to joining TUI, Kathryn held the position of General Manager Operations at Belfast International Airport, where she gained valuable operational and leadership experience within the wider aviation industry. This diverse background has provided her with a unique understanding of both airport and airline operations.
Today, Kathryn is a strong advocate for broadening access to aviation careers and is proud to have helped hundreds of pilots begin their journey within TUI.
David Froggatt
RAF jaguar pilot 1980 – 1993
TRE on the Boeing 757/767 1994 – 2003 with Airtours/Mytravel airlines
Joined easyJet 2003
TRE on B737
TRE/Senior Examiner A320
Training Standards
Chief Training Captain 2017-2021
Nominated Person for crew training 2017-2021
Married, live in Cheshire, with my wife. Have 3 children and 2 grandchildren