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

New Satellite Facility At Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK)

Repair Station Manual and Class 4 Repair Station Certificate awarded for facility

West Star Aviation recently announced they are operating a satellite facility at Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) in Chicago, IL. A Class 4 Repair Station, CRS PAZD068H, West Star will provide maintenance and avionics troubleshooting and repairs, minor inspections, customer assistance, as well as support the AOG and mobile repair activity in the area. The satellite facility is already fully operational and West Star will be holding an open house for the new location on Wednesday, June 17th, 2015.

The facility features 12,915 square feet of hangar space as well as 3,208 square feet of shop and office space.

Tom Hilboldt, former Supervisor at West Star’s East Alton (ALN) facility, has been promoted to KPKW Satellite Manager, and will be responsible for overseeing all operations in Chicago.

“Our main goal for the satellite facility is to provide support to the Priester Aviation and Net Jets operations at the airport, as well as to any customers located in Chicago or the surrounding areas,” said Mr. Hilboldt. “We hope to maintain and cultivate relationships with customers who want to take advantage of the convenience and accessibility of the satellite facility when in need of minor services, but who also want the confidence that West Star’s larger, nationally recognized facilities have the extensive service offerings and capabilities to handle any additional needs that may arise.”

West Star already has five employees at the KPWK facility and is currently in the process of filling additional positions. To learn more about the openings visit http://www.weststaraviation.com/careers/.

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 http://www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.

WSA Satellite Facility In Chicago FINAL

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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.