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Elevating Citation Flight Decks: Modern Avionics Upgrades with West Star Aviation

Citation Flight Decks
Citation Flight Decks

As Citation operators look to extend aircraft life and enhance capability, cockpit avionics upgrades have become one of the most impactful investments available today. From improved safety features to increased aircraft value, modern flight deck solutions are transforming how legacy Citation aircraft operate.

West Star Aviation stands at the forefront of this evolution — delivering expert-level avionics upgrades specifically tailored to turbine aircraft, not just adapted from piston experience.

Not All “Authorized” Experience Is Equal

In today’s market, many providers promote themselves as “Cessna Authorized.” However, that designation can sometimes be limited to piston aircraft support, with Garmin experience rooted in smaller platforms.

While installations on Part 23/25 jets can be performed under standard A&P sign-off, Citation jet upgrades demand a higher level of technical expertise:

  • Complex system integration
  • Advanced autopilot and flight guidance coupling
  • Pressurized, high-performance flight environments
  • Certification nuances unique to turbine aircraft

West Star Aviation brings true jet-level avionics experience, ensuring installations are not only compliant but optimized for performance, reliability, and long-term support.

Garmin G5000: The Premier Upgrade for Citation 560 Excel Series

For operators of the Citation 560 Excel, XLS, and XLS+, the Garmin G5000 flight deck represents the most advanced and comprehensive upgrade available today.

Key Advantages:

  • Replaces legacy systems, including Honeywell P1000 and Pro Line 21 in the XLS+
  • Introduces capabilities that legacy systems cannot support, including:
    • Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT)
    • FANS/CPDLC datalink capabilities
  • Modern touchscreen-controlled interface with intuitive pilot workflow
  • Aligns cockpit capability with newer aircraft like the Citation Ascend

For many operators, the G5000 effectively future-proofs the aircraft, bringing next-generation avionics into an established platform.

Garmin G600 TXi: High-Value Upgrade for the CJ Series

For Citation CJ1, CJ2, and early CitationJet models (525 serial numbers 0001–0359), the Garmin G600 TXi provides a cost-effective path to modern avionics capability.

Key Benefits:

  • Enables fully coupled WAAS/LPV approaches — a long-standing operator need
  • Adds advanced safety features, including:
    • Synthetic vision
    • Doppler radar integration
    • Underspeed protection
    • Coupled go-arounds
  • Delivers functionality comparable to newer platforms like the Citation M2
  • Modernizes the cockpit without requiring a complete aircraft redesign

This approach reflects Garmin’s philosophy: adapt the avionics to the aircraft rather than forcing costly structural changes.

Market Trends: Why Upgrades Matter Now

Today’s Citation market is shifting. Operators are:

  • Holding onto aircraft longer due to economic uncertainty
  • Seeking ways to enhance capability without replacing the aircraft
  • Facing increased scrutiny when selling — buyers expect modern avionics

Aircraft lacking features such as WAAS/LPV capability, synthetic vision, or datalink often see reduced market appeal and value.

Upgrading the flight deck is no longer just a convenience — it’s a strategic investment in aircraft performance and resale value.

West Star Aviation: Citation Avionics Expertise You Can Trust

West Star Aviation has built a reputation as a trusted authority in Citation avionics upgrades, with deep experience across the full Citation product line.

Our capabilities include:

  • Complete cockpit modernization programs (G5000, G600 TXi)
  • Integration with existing aircraft systems and mission profiles
  • In-house engineering, installation, and certification expertise
  • Coordination with maintenance events to minimize downtime

With locations nationwide and decades of experience supporting business aviation, West Star delivers precision, efficiency, and confidence in every avionics project.

Upgrade with Confidence

Whether you’re operating an Excel/XLS platform or a CJ series aircraft, modern avionics upgrades can dramatically improve safety, capability, and aircraft value.

West Star Aviation combines technical expertise, real-world Citation experience, and industry-leading installation quality to ensure your upgrade is done right — the first time.

Contact West Star Aviation

To learn more about Citation avionics upgrade options or to discuss your aircraft’s configuration and goals, contact one of the West Star Aviation specialists below:

Lance Anderson

Lance Anderson

Technical Sales Manager, Textron
(GJT)
Office: 970.248.5268
landerson@wsa.aero

Pat Welch

Pat Welch

Technical Sales Manager
(ALN)
Office: 618.258.4751
pwelch@wsa.aero

Todd Hyatt

Todd Hyatt

Technical Sales Manager, Textron
(CHA)
Office: 407.414.3662
thyatt@wsa.aero

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell: 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero

Tom Heck

Tom Heck

Director, Textron Business Development
Cell: 407.398.9259
theck@wsa.aero

Aaron Berg

Aaron Berg

Technical Sales Manager Avionics (GJT)
Office 970.248.5281
aberg@wsa.aero

Joe Martinez

Joe Martinez

Technical Sales Manager - Avionics
(GJT)
Office 970.644.5993
jmartinez@wsa.aero

David Feuerhak

Dave Feurhak

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office: 618.636.4540
dcf@wsa.aero

Nathan Moran

Nathan Moran

Technical Sales Manager Modifications
(PCD)
Cell 618.796.9901
nmoran@wsa.aero

Jim Ellis

Jim Ellis

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office 618.258.8065
jellis@wsa.aero

Prince Davis

Prince Davis

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics
(CHA)
Office: 423.661.8900
pdavis@wsa.aero

Dwayne Chandler

Dwayne Chandler

Technical Sales Manager, Modifications
(Satellites)
Cell: 336.971.7474
dchandler@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.