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West Star Aviation Announces Facility Acquisition To House Newly Dedicated Landing Gear Facility In Grand Junction, CO

Grand Junction, CO, February 9, 2017- West Star Aviation is pleased to announce they have acquired an existing 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Grand Junction, CO to house a newly dedicated landing gear facility.

West Star’s recent approval of a new landing gear overhaul agreement, and their proven success within landing gear overhaul, will allow for continued specialized support of Challenger, Hawker, and Embraer Phenom and Legacy landing gear overhaul and repair, along with a necessary first quarter operational date.

The former U.S. Tech facility has already begun a full redesign by West Star and will be built out specifically for landing gear overhaul purposes. The facility was located through a Grand Junction community leader, P.J. McGovern, who worked closely with West Star to allow for a prompt renovation and anticipated operational date.

“We are proud to have the support of our community behind us on our expansion. The City of Grand Junction and Mesa County, Colorado, were an instrumental part in helping West Star acquire a Change of Use for the facility, and adding growth to the community,” said Dave Krogman, General Manager, West Star Aviation. “This acquisition comes at a great time for our GJT location. We have already built a solid reputation for landing gear overhaul at our GJT facility and look forward to expanding on that capability and expertise with this dedicated facility. We anticipate creating over 40 jobs during the next three years in the Grand Junction area,” Krogman continued.

The new facility is located at 2465 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505 and is anticipated to be operational March 2017.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Professional Pilot magazine annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey for three consecutive years, West Star Aviation 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 Chattanooga, TN, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL and Centennial Airport in Denver, CO. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its newly remodeled East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. West Star Aviation 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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2017 02 09 Landing Gear PR

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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.