aircraft on ground support

24/7/365 AOG SUPPORT: 215.937.9020 | aog@wsa.aero

Airframes – West Star Aviation

Dear valued customers:

West Star Aviation is continuing to operate at all of its full service and satellite locations as an essential business in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has instituted multi-level safety and mitigation procedures as a way to better protect employees, customers and their assets.

Like many companies, a portion of West Star’s staff are working remotely, but a large portion of in-house functions still require staff to be on site at all of the facilities. As such, West Star has instituted temperature checkpoints, to quickly assess both employees and customers entering all facilities. These staff members are working tirelessly to meet customer needs as always, but with proper social distancing protocols in place.

Most recently, West Star has implemented a temporary mandate that requires all customers and employees to wear protective masks that cover the nose and mouth when in West Star facilities. This step was taken in accordance with CDC, state and federal health recommendations as one of the most effective ways to help mitigate or avoid infection with the COVID-19 virus.

Additionally, while there are currently no FAA or OEM guidelines on the disinfection of aircraft, the dedicated detail teams at our full-service locations are disinfecting customer aircraft by hand, upon arrival and departure. As an added level of safety, the full-service facilities at ALN, GJT, CHA and PCD now have portable CURIS Decontamination Systems onsite for use on arrival and departure. These systems can be deployed effectively upon request if the customer desires an extra step in decontamination. Concerns can be determined through pre-planning questionnaires and ample communication with West Star staff at the requested location.

As noted above, all West Star facilities are considered essential businesses and are open to serve customer needs, with these increased safety measures to protect both customers and employees alike. Safety measures and protocol will continue to be updated as deemed necessary and any additional details about the current situation will be provided on the website or contact West Star directly for further information.

“The safety of our employees, vendors and customers is always our main priority, so reinforcing our current requirements as well as adding additional levels of precautionary practices and disinfectant services is of critical importance to West Star Aviation. We feel confident that going above and beyond on these safety measures, West Star can continue to effectively and efficiently service our customers’ needs. Every ounce of preventive measure is worth it if we can become a part of the solution to this current situation,” stated

Jim Rankin
CEO
West Star Aviation

West Star Aviation

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. Learn more
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 January 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/careers 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.