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West Star Aviation Announces Expansion Into Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN, August 17, 2015 – West Star Aviation (WSA) recently announced they will be opening an MRO facility at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) in Chattanooga, TN. The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority is expected to approve this hangar space lease on August 17, 2015.

The facility has 20,424 square feet of (heated) hangar space with 28’ high doors. It also features 20,424 square feet of heated and air conditioned mixed-use space which will be used for administrative and customer offices. The facility will also house engineering, avionics, cabinetry and upholstery shop functions as well as accommodate storage of customer aircraft parts.

West Star’s newest location sits on a ground-lease footprint that is approximately 3.92 acres, or 170,798 square feet with ample ramp space for uncongested aircraft movement. An additional 15-acre site adjacent to the facility is slated for expansion as well. Operations will include all disciplines of MRO support such as paint facilities, maintenance hangars, back shop activities and an accessory shop.

“The aviation-friendly location and existing facilities will allow West Star to better serve East Coast corporate aviation flight departments,” said Rodger Renaud, Chief Operating Officer. “This expansion represents the initial steps in a larger five-year plan that calls for continued growth in the Chattanooga area.”

Additionally, West Star is starting the process of filling 175-225 positions and looks forward to utilizing the area’s richly trained technical workforce. Learn more about the openings.

“West Star is pleased to collaborate on the purchase of the hangar from Jones Management Services Company. The availability of the hangar will facilitate our MRO expansion, corporate aviation growth and local employment opportunities in Tennessee,” said Bob Rasberry, President and CEO, West Star Aviation.

Allan Jones, CEO of Jones Management Services, based in Cleveland, TN, said “Having a state-of-the-art repair facility like this in Chattanooga will bring many CEOs to the area to have their company jets worked on. Today’s announcement is going to have a tremendous benefit to the economic growth of our area.”

Voted #1 Preferred MRO in Professional Pilot magazine’s annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey for two consecutive years, West Star Aviation, Inc. specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, windows, and engines, as well as major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, surplus avionics sales, accessory services, paint and parts.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; and Columbia, SC. West Star Aviation runs the maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO, Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, MO, and Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation, Inc. is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions.

For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

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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.