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Ready, Set, Go for Service: Preparing Your Aircraft for Input

Aircraft
Aircraft

When planning for a major inspection or scheduled maintenance event, a little preparation before arrival can go a long way toward keeping your project on schedule and controlling costs. At West Star Aviation, we encourage operators to bring aircraft ready to be worked on whenever possible. Proper pre-arrival preparation allows our technicians to begin inspections and maintenance tasks immediately, helping ensure efficient and successful service.

Prepare the Cabin Before Arrival

One of the most common delays at the start of a maintenance visit occurs when aircraft arrive with the cabin fully stocked with personal and operational items. Galleys are often filled with dishes, glasses, and supplies, and cabins may contain large numbers of pillows, blankets, and other loose items.

While these items are essential during normal operations, they can create challenges during maintenance events. In some cases, technicians must remove and secure these items before beginning work. This extra step takes valuable time and introduces the risk of items becoming misplaced or damaged during the maintenance process.

Whenever possible, operators should remove the following items prior to aircraft arrival:

  • Galley contents such as dishes, glassware, and utensils
  • Personal items and cabin supplies
  • Blankets, pillows, and loose cabin accessories
  • Any non-essential equipment or storage items

Preparing the cabin in advance allows maintenance teams to focus immediately on the aircraft itself rather than first clearing the workspace.

Consider a Pre-Arrival Exterior Wash

If time permits, giving the aircraft a thorough exterior wash at your home base can also help streamline the inspection process. Clean aircraft surfaces allow technicians to quickly evaluate structural areas, access panels, and inspection points without needing to perform preliminary cleaning before beginning the work.

This simple step can help technicians move directly into inspection tasks, reducing overall labor time and improving efficiency.

Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

A few simple pre-arrival steps can make a meaningful difference in the success of your maintenance event. By arriving with a cleared cabin and clean aircraft, operators can help:

  • Reduce inspection startup delays
  • Minimize unnecessary labor time
  • Protect personal and cabin items from potential damage
  • Keep the overall project timeline on track

Your Partner in Efficient Maintenance

West Star Aviation is committed to delivering efficient, high-quality maintenance and inspection services. With experienced technicians, careful planning, and customer collaboration, we work to ensure every service event runs smoothly from arrival to return-to-service.

If you have questions or need additional tips about preparing your aircraft for an upcoming inspection, contact you West Star representative.

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.