aircraft on ground support

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

Month: August 2022

West Star is pleased to announce multiple candidates have completed the FAA OJT (on the job training) program to receive their A&P certifications. West Star is delighted to participate and offer this 30-month program to upcoming technicians as a way to work in the field while also obtaining their certification. The apprentices must document all […]

Citation 680

The Citation Specialists at West Star Aviation want to bring an issue to operators attention.  Increasingly, during inspection on Citation 680 aircraft, it has been observed that there may be excess wear or play at the main landing gear door pushrod trunnion attach point.  The steep pin used to attach the pushrod causes the hole […]

West Star Aviation will complete the Williams International Service Bulletin (WISB72.1023) to repair the Intermediate Pressure Compressor Rotor repair at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility in October 2022, the first being completed in mid-August, 2022. Due to a machining issue during manufacturing, as the rotor ages it can induce cracking and blade displacement as […]

WISB-72-1023

Williams International issued WISB-72-1023 (Link to PDF Here) after identifying an issue in the Intermediate Pressure Compressor Rotor (IPC).  Due to a machining issue during manufacturing, the rotor as it ages can induce cracking and blade displacement as a small number of FJ144-4A engines have had this occur.  Blade loss in this manner can result […]

West Star is pleased to announce Travis Reed has been recognized for AMT’s 40 Under 40 Award. Travis is currently the Quality Control Inspector at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) location. Travis has over 13 years of aviation experience previously working for Sindelar and Embraer. Although he enjoyed working on commercial and general aviation aircraft, he […]

Challenger 604

The 7800-Landing inspection for the Bombardier Challenger CL604-series of aircraft is one of the most extensive and detailed inspections performed during the aircraft’s service life, and more and more aircraft are reaching this milestone as time goes on. Most operators are familiar with the requirements of the 96-Month/192-Month inspections including the detailed inspection (initial 96M) […]

West Star is pleased to announce Eric Bollman has been promoted to Avionics Team lead at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. Eric has been with West Star since 2015, being promoted through the years and previously working as an Operations Manager for Eco Systems. He will be responsible for all Falcon Avionics projects at […]

Protect Your Aircraft

Exterior Paint Let’s talk about the different levels of paint protection and products used in the industry today. Throughout the life of an aircraft exterior paint job, there are different products that can be used depending on the condition and oxidation levels of the paint.  A good baseline product is Wax, Nupower II wax, used […]

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.