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GJT Adds Challenger Overhaul Gear Capabilities

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce they have added 96-month detailed inspections and 120-month restorations for Challenger landing gear at their Grand Junction Accessory Shop. With this addition to their already impressive line of capabilities, West Star will be able to provide improved service to their customers.

Steve Goede, Accessory Shop Manager says, “West Star increased its capabilities in order to accommodate the projected 250 Challenger fleet gear events due in the next two years. The quality, cost, and downtime associated with our services are very competitive within the industry.” Todd Burkey, Challenger Program Manager says, “While a customer’s Challenger is at West Star-Grand Junction for its landing gear inspection, we can maximize downtime by simultaneously performing corresponding airframe inspection and additional maintenance due, as well as providing avionics, interior, or paint refurbishments.” West Star-Grand Junction Accessory Shop also has the capability to complete send-in gear inspections for operators who prefer that option. With a portfolio of many diverse aircraft programs, West Star Aviation-Grand Junction is an FAA-Certified Class I, II, and III Accessory Repair Station. West Star-Grand Junction has made a substantial investment in custom tooling and equipment, and its employees have honed their skills, enabling the company to specialize in a thorough in-house gear inspection/restoration process.

For more information, call Accessory Shop Manager Steve Goede at 800-255-4193 x260, Challenger Sales Manager Emily Mason at 800-255-4193 x266, or Challenger Program Manager Todd Burkey at 800-255-4193 x256.

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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.