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West Star Aviation Welcomes William Morris as New General Counsel

East Alton, IL- January 7, 2026 — West Star Aviation is pleased to announce the appointment of William Morris as General Counsel. With over 20 years of extensive legal experience in the aviation industry, William will oversee our legal and risk management functions, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional service and a superior customer experience.

As a full-service MRO, West Star Aviation is dedicated to delivering comprehensive maintenance solutions nationwide. William’s expertise in navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes equips us to better serve our clients’ evolving needs. His role will enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance and safety, providing our clients with the assurance that comes from having dedicated legal oversight.

“William’s background in business law within the aerospace sector aligns well with our strategic objectives,” said Stephen Maiden, CEO of West Star Aviation. “His leadership will be critical in advancing our mission to support our customers effectively.”

“Joining West Star Aviation represents an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that prioritizes exceptional standards in the aviation industry,” William remarked. “The company’s strong commitment to operational excellence aligns perfectly with my professional values, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise to enhance our compliance and operational strategies.”

Before joining West Star Aviation, William served as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Wencor Group, overseeing legal affairs for the global aviation company. His previous experience includes key positions at ComAv and Husch Blackwell, as well as serving as lead counsel for aviation transactions at FedEx Express.

William holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class.

In his new role, William will ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, while continuing to foster outstanding service and collaboration within West Star Aviation.

About West Star Aviation
With more than 79 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The company’s extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

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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 August 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy 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.