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Month: May 2026

Challenger Operators: New FAA AD Addresses Nosewheel Steering Risk

Challenger Nosewheel Steering

West Star Aviation is advising Bombardier Challenger operators of a newly issued FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) that addresses a critical — but easily correctable — component within the nosewheel steering (NWS) system. AD 2026-06506 applies to: CL-600-1A11 (Challenger 600) CL-600-2A12 (Challenger 601) CL-600-2B16 (Challenger 601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 variants) This directive highlights how a small […]

West Star Aviation: Your Choice For Citation Sovereign (680) Winglet Installation

Citation Sovereign

For Citation Sovereign (680) operators looking to improve performance, efficiency, and overall aircraft capability, winglet upgrades offer a proven and impactful solution. West Star Aviation provides expert installation of advanced winglet technology, delivering measurable benefits while ensuring a seamless upgrade experience. Performance Benefits That Matter Winglet technology is designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency by reducing […]

Embraer Legacy & Praetor Operators: Immediate Action Required for Emergency AD 2026-08-52

Emergency AD 2026-08-52

West Star Aviation is advising operators of Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 aircraft of a newly issued FAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD 2026-08-52) requiring immediate attention and compliance. As a trusted technical resource for Embraer operators, West Star Aviation is prepared to support rapid compliance while minimizing operational disruption. Understanding the Issue Emergency AD […]

Embraer Legacy & Praetor Operators: Plan Now for Pro Line Fusion Load 7.1 (SB 550-42-0020)

Embraer Legacy

West Star Aviation reminds Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 operators to begin planning for compliance with Service Bulletin SB 550-42-0020, introducing Pro Line Fusion Load 7.1 for the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system. As the next evolution of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion platform, Load 7.1 builds upon Load 6.3.1 with targeted enhancements […]

Mark White

Mark White

RSM, California

469.267.9423
Gary Freeman

Gary Freeman

RSM, Southwest

970.260.0027
Carl Hefner

Carl Hefner

RSM, Northwest

970.261.4077
Bob Fairfield

Bob Fairfield

RSM, Central

618.512.5077
Keith Schroeder

Keith Schroeder

RSM, Midwest

920.810.3905
Dave Godo

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

618.610.0551
Chris Wilkes

Chris Wilkes

RSM, Northeast

610.937.5195
Cory Kolman

Cory Kolman

RSM, Canada

702.742.1945
Mark Daniels

Mark Daniels

RSM, South

210.284.4990
Tim Cane

Tim Cain

RSM, Florida

407.969.5365
Robbie Johnson

Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

618.610.3081
Santiago Carol

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

970.261.0492
Steve Fleeman

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

970.683.1683
Jim Woodliff

Jim woodliff

RSM, Texas

610.937.5195

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.
Apply Online
  • 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.