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West Star Aviation Appoints General Manager for New KCHA Location

East Alton, IL, January 18, 2016 – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that Thomas Hilboldt will be the General Manager for their newest location in Chattanooga, TN (KCHA).

Tom has over 40 years experience in aviation and in his new role, he will oversee all operations for this location. Tom began his career in aviation at Midcoast Aviation in 1978 as the Technical Services Supervisor. He joined West Star in 2013 as a Shift Supervisor and he was quickly promoted to Satellite Manager at their Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in 2014 where he worked until he accepted promotion to General Manager for KCHA.

“Tom Hilboldt has grown quickly in our company and we are pleased to have him as General Manager of our new Chattanooga location,” says, Rodger Renaud, Chief Operating Officer, West Star Aviation. “Tom is well known and respected throughout the aviation industry and has proven skills that will continue to add positive growth for our new location.”

Based at the new Chattanooga, TN (KCHA) location, scheduled to be operational February 1, 2016, Tom will be responsible for overseeing all operations of the new 40,000-sq.-ft. heated hangar and will oversee all maintenance, interior, avionics and mobile response team services. For more information on West Star’s KCHA location, please call (423) 661-8902 or thilboldt@wsa.aero.

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 maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO, Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL, Centennial Airport in Denver, CO and a new facility opening this year in Chattanooga, TN. 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.