aircraft on ground support

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

Kurt Sutterer Joins West Star Aviation Board of Directors

East Alton, IL, February 25, 2011 – West Star Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce that Kurt Sutterer has joined the company’s Board of Directors effective February 15, 2011. The announcement was made by Robert E Rasberry, West Star’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Kurt brings a deep, broad and respected knowledge of the aviation industry to our Board of Directors and will help shape the growth of West Star Aviation,” stated Rasberry. “His industry management experience, involvement with respected aviation associations like NBAA, along with his role as Chairman of NATA for the 2009 term will certainly add a measurable value to our executive level guidance team.”

“During my tenure at Midcoast, West Star was always a strong and innovative competitor,” stated Sutterer.  “Now, I look forward to assisting them in their growth and continued recognition as one of the best service providers in aviation.”

Sutterer recently retired as president of Midcoast Aviation and head of Jet Aviation’s MRO & Completions lines of business in North America, after 29 years of service with the company.

Sutterer started his professional aviation career at St. Louis-based Midcoast Aviation in 1981 and held positions of increasing responsibility, ranging from Inspector to Manager of Technical Services, Vice President, and General Manager of Midcoast Aviation operations before his promotion to president in 2004.

Kurt Sutterer Release

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
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.