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Month: January 2026

What To Know: The New 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorder Standard 

Cockpit Voice Recorder

A significant advancement in aviation safety is arriving — and West Star Aviation is leading the way. Beginning May 16, 2025, all newly manufactured U.S.-registered aircraft were required to be delivered with 25-hour Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs). In addition, existing aircraft already subject to CVR requirements must be upgraded by 2030. This new long-duration recording […]

Crafting Excellence: Discovering Design to Delivery at West Star Aviation

https://youtu.be/TjOZKS4fvK8 Chattanooga, Tennessee — January 19, 2026 — West Star Aviation is thrilled to announce an upcoming video series that will provide a captivating and informative glimpse into our aircraft paint and interior services. These videos invite potential clients to experience firsthand what it’s like to collaborate with our dedicated team and to discover how we […]

Maximize Your Avionics Investment with Collins Aerospace and West Star Aviation

Avionics Investment

Collins Aerospace offers 5% new enrollment discount on all new enrollments from now until March 31, 2026 When you choose West Star Aviation for your next avionics upgrade, you gain access to a powerful combination of Collins Aerospace factory incentives and exclusive West Star discounts — delivering exceptional value along with industry-leading expertise. As an […]

West Star Aviation Appoints Spencer Schwartz to Board of Directors as Audit Committee Chair

East Alton, IL—January 12, 2026— West Star Aviation, a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider to the business aviation industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Spencer Schwartz to its Board of Directors. He will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee. Spencer brings a wealth of expertise and a strong […]

West Star Aviation Celebrates a Major Milestone: 175 Starlink Installations

East Alton, IL—January 9, 2026—We are excited to share an incredible achievement: West Star Aviation has successfully completed our 175th installation of Starlink systems. This milestone represents our commitment to providing advanced connectivity solutions in the aviation industry and enhancing the flying experience for our valued customers. Reaching 175 Starlink installations highlights our commitment to […]

Celebrating Excellence: Dwayne Chandler Takes the Helm as Director of Avionics Business Development

East Alton, IL- January 8, 2026 —West Star Aviation is excited to announce the promotion of Dwayne Chandler to the position of Director of Avionics Business Development. With over 30 years of experience in business aviation and avionics, Dwayne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will significantly enhance our operations. This promotion highlights […]

West Star Aviation Welcomes William Morris as New General Counsel

East Alton, IL- January 7, 2026 — West Star Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of William Morris as General Counsel. With over 20 years of extensive legal experience in the aviation industry, William will oversee our legal and risk management functions, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional service and a superior customer experience. As […]

Challenger Nosewheel Steering AD 2025-17-32: What Operators Need to Know

Challenger Nosewheel

The FAA has proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-17-32 affecting multiple Bombardier Challenger aircraft, including Models CL-600-1A11 (Challenger 600), CL-600-2A12 (Challenger 601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and Challenger 604). West Star Aviation is actively supporting Challenger operators with compliance planning and service bulletin incorporation related to this proposed nosewheel steering AD. FAA Proposed AD: Background and […]

Mark White

Mark White

RSM, California

469.267.9423
Gary Freeman

Gary Freeman

RSM, Southwest

970.260.0027
Carl Hefner

Carl Hefner

RSM, Northwest

970.261.4077
Bob Fairfield

Bob Fairfield

RSM, Central

618.512.5077
Keith Schroeder

Keith Schroeder

RSM, Midwest

920.810.3905
Dave Godo

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

618.610.0551
Chris Wilkes

Chris Wilkes

RSM, Northeast

610.937.5195
Cory Kolman

Cory Kolman

RSM, Canada

702.742.1945
Mark Daniels

Mark Daniels

RSM, South

210.284.4990
Tim Cane

Tim Cain

RSM, Florida

407.969.5365
Robbie Johnson

Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

618.610.3081
Santiago Carol

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

970.261.0492
Steve Fleeman

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

970.683.1683
Jim Woodliff

Jim woodliff

RSM, Texas

610.937.5195

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in August 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
Apply Online
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.