AOG/MRT

West Star Aviation Promotes Katie Johnson to Vice President of Human Resources

August 16, 2018 – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Katie Johnson has been promoted to Vice President of Human Resources effective immediately. In her new role, Katie will primarily focus on implementing best practices across all of West Star’s locations, which will include tactics for increasing West Star employee engagement, increased recruiting efforts, and  developing/implementing a training program for current and future employees.

Katie joined West Star in 2014 as the Director of Human Resources. She brings 13 years of experience in the aviation industry to her position. She worked with several aviation companies such as Sabreliner and Jet Aviation, and most recently before joining West Star, Katie worked with a private company who connected job seekers with employers.

“Katie has led our HR team through substantial growth and is responsible for recruiting top talent and experienced individuals to join West Star’s roster of world-class technicians, sales managers, and West Star personnel,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation. “Katie has increased visibility of our career opportunities, and will continue to focus on the need of current and future employees,” Rankin continued.

“My passion is supporting our employees, and increasing the visibility of career opportunities at West Star,” said Katie Johnson, Vice President of Human Resources. My team and I look forward to increasing employee communications, engagement, recognition and training at all of West Star’s locations,” continued Johnson.

Voted #1 Preferred MRO for five consecutive years from 2014-2018 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual “Preferences Regarding Aviation Services and Equipment” (PRASE) Survey, 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; Chattanooga, TN; and Perryville, MO, 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, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX, and Scottsdale Airport in Scottsdale, AZ. 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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RSM, California

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Robbie Johnson

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Steve Fleeman

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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.