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West Star Aviation Continues to Lead in Gulfstream G650 Heavy Inspections and Starlink Installations

Gulfstream G650
Gulfstream G650

West Star Aviation continues to strengthen its position as one of the industry’s leading Gulfstream maintenance and modification providers, recently completing its fourth Gulfstream G650 144-month inspection at its East Alton, IL (ALN), facility, with a fifth aircraft already scheduled for input this month.

With extensive Gulfstream airframe experience across the enterprise, West Star Aviation provides complete capabilities in:

  • Heavy maintenance and inspections
  • Avionics upgrades and connectivity solutions
  • Interior refurbishment and modifications
  • Exterior paint services
  • Structural and systems modifications

This deep level of expertise allows West Star to deliver complex projects efficiently while helping operators maximize downtime opportunities.

Proven Experience Operators Trust

West Star’s growing experience with the G650 144-month inspection continues to earn praise from operators and directors of maintenance throughout the industry.

“As always, the crew in all departments went over and above to get the 144-month inspections and Starlink completed to match our ever-changing schedule. I look forward to our next visit.”

Eric Dienst
Director, Aircraft Maintenance
T-Bird Aviation LLC

“Absolutely one of the best experiences for our 144-month inspection on our G650ER. Great team and great communication on all aspects. Thank you and I look forward to our next visit.”

Valentin Florea
Director, Aircraft Maintenance
Gilead Sciences, Inc.

These projects highlight not only West Star’s technical capability, but also the company’s commitment to communication, flexibility, and customer support throughout major maintenance events.

The Ideal Opportunity for Cabin/Connectivity Upgrades, Interior Refurbishment, and Full Exterior Paint

The Gulfstream G650 144-month inspection requires removal of the aircraft’s full interior and the majority of the exterior panels, creating a unique opportunity for operators to incorporate additional cabin/connectivity upgrades, interior refurbishment, and full exterior paint.

One of the most popular upgrades currently being requested by Gulfstream operators is the installation of the Starlink inflight connectivity system.

West Star Aviation has become one of the industry’s most experienced providers of Starlink installations, combining advanced avionics integration expertise with unmatched Gulfstream platform knowledge.

By performing one of these modifications in conjunction with the 144-month inspection, operators may realize significant cost savings — potentially reducing installation expenses by as much as $40,000 – $100,000 through shared interior removal and reinstallation labor.

Comprehensive Gulfstream Expertise

West Star Aviation’s Gulfstream specialists understand the complexity of integrating modern connectivity systems into high-performance business aircraft while maintaining cabin quality, operational reliability, and certification compliance.

The company’s in-house capabilities include:

  • Avionics engineering and integration
  • Structural modification support
  • Interior removal and reinstallation
  • Paint and finishing services
  • Program management and inspection coordination

This full-service approach allows operators to complete multiple major projects simultaneously while minimizing total downtime.

Nationwide Support for Gulfstream Operators

Both the G650 144-month inspection and Starlink installation services are available at the following West Star Aviation facilities:

  • East Alton, IL (ALN)
  • Grand Junction, CO (GJT)
  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA)

A Trusted Resource for Gulfstream Maintenance and Connectivity Upgrades

As operators continue to modernize cabin technology and extend aircraft lifecycle value, selecting an experienced maintenance and modification partner becomes increasingly important.

West Star Aviation’s growing track record with G650 heavy inspections and Starlink installations positions the company as a premier technical resource for Gulfstream operators seeking efficiency, expertise, and world-class support.

For more information regarding Gulfstream G650 inspections, Starlink installations, or additional Gulfstream maintenance and modification services, contact any of the West Star Specialists below:

Curtis Grasle

Curtis Grasle

Technical Sales Manager – Gulfstream
(ALN)
Office: 618.258.8877
cgrasle@wsa.aero

Jason Mital

Technical Sales Manager – Gulfstream/Lear
(GJT)
Office: 970.248.5236
jmital@wsa.aero

Larry Marler

Larry Marler

Technical Sales Manager – Gulfstream
(CHA)
Cell: 423.598.1578
lmarler@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.