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WEST STAR AVIATION Integrates Carbon Fiber Into Aircraft

                                      Carbon fiber used in paint and interior projects                          

WSA Carbon Fiber Delivery 6While carbon fiber has been readily used in the structure of aircraft for some time, it’s now making its way into the interior and exterior of the aircraft. A prime example of this relatively new trend is West Star Aviation, who has successfully integrated carbon fiber in aircraft through five custom refurbishment and/or exterior paint projects since 2014. When integrated into the cabin, carbon fiber covers surfaces where wood veneer is traditionally used, such as countertops, side ledges, tables or bulkheads. In addition, West Star has completed an exterior paint project with carbon fiber aircraft paint.

“The use of carbon fiber in cabin design has continued to grow in popularity as it gives a unique, hi-tech, and more modern look than the traditional veneer options,” said Debi Cunningham, Vice President Marketing & Interior Design, West Star Aviation.

WSA Carbon Fiber Delivery 2

“Carbon fiber can be finished in high gloss the same as a veneer,” continued Debi Cunningham. “This gives the cabin a more modern look but retains the high-gloss, high-quality look that customers prefer.”

West Star continues to increase their expertise in integrating carbon fiber materials into today’s aircraft interiors and has currently delivered carbon fiber projects on Gulfstream 200, Challenger 604, and Falcon 900 aircraft.

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 and at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, MO. 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 https://www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

WSA Integrates Carbon Fiber Into Aircraft FINAL

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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.