AOG/MRT

About

HISTORY AND HERITAGE HAVE A PLACE IN TODAY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES NO MATTER WHAT INDUSTRY THEY SERVE. HOWEVER, GREAT COMPANIES CONTINUE TO EVOLVE WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS AND THE MARKETS THEY SERVICE. WEST STAR AVIATION IS NO EXCEPTION. 

Premier Air Center, of East Alton, IL (ALN), was founded in 1947, originally as Walston Aviation. After an ownership change in 1987, the name was changed to Premier Air Center. Since then, the company has built a solid reputation for strong technical expertise and personalized customer service for maintenance and refurbishment of corporate aircraft. Similarly, West Star Aviation’s roots extend back to 1952 when the original company, Monarch Aviation, was founded at Walker Field, (GJT) Grand Junction, CO. On May 1, 1987, the Buescher Family of Grand Junction acquired Monarch Aviation and began the transformation of the company from an aviation sales and service business to a top-rated business aircraft maintenance and refurbishment facility.

On December 31, 2004 the principals of Premier Air Center acquired West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, Colorado facility, combining two of the industry’s top, full-service MRO facilities. Continuing with a pattern of planned, aggressive growth, the company established operations at Chattanooga, TN (CHA) in 2015, expanding full-service options throughout the United States.

In 2017, West Star Aviation acquired Avant Aerospace, Dallas Aeronautical Services, LLC (DAS) and MSP Aero, which strategically enhanced the company’s capabilities and resources in parts, composite and assembly MRO as well as strengthening satellite maintenance locations. In 2018 West Star Aviation continued this direction and acquired FLITE Components and added its fourth full service MRO at Perryville, MO. West Star Aviation LLC, Avant Aerospace LLC, Dallas Aeronautical Services, LLC (DAS), and FLITE Components, LLC as owned subsidiaries of West Star Aviation Holdings, LLC.

MSP and FLITE have since been integrated into other areas of operation within West Star Aviation, however DAS continues to operate under their unique brand while offering West Star Aviation customers their products and capabilities. Avant Aerospace was combined with Jet Parts, which West Star Aviation Holding LLC acquired in 2023.

Our most recent acquisition in late 2023, West Star Aviation Holdings LLC acquired Jet East Aviation, resulting in one of the largest independent MRO companies in the world.

The investment goes far beyond just facilities. It extends to the essence of these companies – the people. You will not find a more engaged, technically knowledgeable, proficient and personable group of professionals at any other maintenance provider anywhere in the world. The present-day West Star Aviation represents the blending of these industry renowned aviation service companies and the focus to build on and improve the synergies that resulted from the acquisition. Strong technical expertise, experienced employees, attention to detail, along with a constant focus on customer service and satisfaction, remain the staples of the West Star Aviation philosophy. For more information call 800-922-2421

Jim Rankin

JIM RANKIN

Chief Executive Officer
618.225.9707 cell
jrankin@wsa.aero

Matthew DeLellis

MATT DELELLIS

Chief Financial Officer
713.878.3559 cell
mdelellis@wsa.aero

Allen McReynolds

ALLEN MCREYNOLDS

Chief Operating Officer
404.304.2101 cell
amcreynolds@wsa.aero

Katie Johnson

KATIE JOHNSON

Chief People Officer
618.258.8030 office
314.378.5012 cell
katiejohnson@wsa.aero

Dana Seese

Dana Seese

Vice President, Marketing
216.571.1690 cell
dana.seese@wsa.aero

Marty Rhine

Marty Rhine

Chief Customer Officer
618.258.8813 office
618.795.4899 cell
mrhine@wsa.aero

Stephen Maiden

STEPHEN MAIDEN

Chief Operating Officer
smaiden@wsa.aero

Chris White

CHRIS WHITE

Chief Safety & Quality Officer
920.574.4109 cell
cwhite@wsa.aero

Mike Zada

Michael Zada

Chief Project Officer
630.336.8091 cell
mzada@wsa.aero

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RSM, California

Gary Freeman
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.