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How Well Do You Really Know Your Engines?

Aircraft Engines
Aircraft Engines

Understanding your engine’s true maintenance status begins with one essential question: Where is the engine in its maintenance interval — and what is that interval?

With many next-generation engines now operating under OEM-issued extensions or “on-condition” requirements, determining this accurately requires more than relying on electronic tracking programs. At West Star Aviation, our specialists always dig deeper, starting with the most authoritative source: the engine logbook.

Maintenance Intervals Are Changing — Your Tracking System May Not Reflect It

Many modern (next gen) engines have received interval extensions, while others rely on hourly borescope inspections or OEM trending systems that may permit pushing a scheduled event further out. A quick review of the logbook often reveals opportunities that some electronic systems overlook.

This past year alone, West Star has worked with numerous operators who believed their engines were approaching “a required maintenance event”— only for our team to discover, through detailed logbook research, that additional operating hours remained. As we often hear: “My CAMP doesn’t reflect this.”

The truth is that digital maintenance platforms can struggle to stay fully aligned with the latest OEM service bulletins, interval revisions, and extension criteria. That’s why we always reference the logbook: the definitive record of engine status and service bulletin compliance.

Growing Complexity in Cycle-Limited Parts Management

With ongoing supply chain challenges, the industry is seeing an increased trend toward reinstalling cycle-limited parts rather than replacing them with new components. While this is a practical solution, it introduces added complexity in tracking and forecasting what will be required at the next scheduled event.

West Star Aviation works directly with operators to interpret these changes, ensuring you understand not just the current status of your engine but also the implications for the next maintenance event. 

For more information, please contact:

Sharon Klose

Sharon Klose

Director, Satellites/MRT & Engines
Cell: 618.801.9047
skose@wsa.aero

Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

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.
  • 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.