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Jim Rankin
Jim Rankin, CEO
618.225.9707 (cell)
Allen McReynolds
Allen McReynolds
404.304.2101 (cell)

I am pleased to announce that Allen McReynolds has joined West Star Aviation as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Until now, our Operations departments reported directly to me, which allowed for better coordination between operations and the broader strategies of West Star. With our growth over the past five years, it’s time we have a seasoned executive devoting 100% of their time to supporting our main MRO and Satellite sites, MRT/AOG, Engineering, Quality Control and Ops Automation to bring an even better experience to our customers. After an extensive search, I believe we’ve found the right person for this multi-faceted position within West Star. In keeping with West Star’s history of supporting our employees so they can best support our customers, Allen’s primary role will be to make strategic investments in people, training, tooling, technology and processes, while improving our safety, on-time and squawk-free delivery performance to each and every one of our customers.

Allen has spent his entire career in and around aircraft maintenance, starting as an A&P technician. He has experience in Business Aviation, Commercial Airlines and the Dept. of Defense and has held leadership roles in aftermarket and customer support with both Textron Aviation and Hawker Beechcraft. Most recently, he was the Managing Partner at SeaTec Consulting, where he spent the last 7 years bringing innovative process and technology solutions to clients in the Airline, MRO, OEM, Government and Defense segments.

I’m excited to you have you meet Allen in person. I’m confident you will agree he will be an outstanding addition to the West Star team – a team that includes, and is dedicated to each of you, our valued customers. Thank you for your continued support and please don’t hesitate to call me or Allen if we can ever help you.

Jim

West Star Aviation

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities. Learn more

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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.