aircraft on ground support

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

Author: Patrick Recer

Send Airtext Moving Map Solutions

For operators seeking a cost-effective way to modernize the cabin experience, the Send Airtext Moving Map offers an economical and efficient solution — particularly for aircraft operating within tighter upgrade budgets. West Star Aviation provides expertise in both cabin and cockpit avionics solutions across all budget levels, helping operators select and install the right technology […]

CL 605

As winter conditions continue across much of North America, West Star Aviation would like to remind Challenger 605 operators of the importance of Service Bulletin (SB) 605-30-003 Revision 2 — Ice and Rain Protection: Take Off Safety Enhancement (TOSE), Supplemental Ground Wing Anti-Icing, Divided Parts Installation. While this service bulletin is currently classified as recommended, […]

Aircraft Landing Gear

Pressure washing is a fast, appealing way to remove grease, hydraulic fluid, brake dust, and salt from aircraft landing gear. But high-pressure water, improper cleaning agents, and rough technique can do significant harm, compromising safety, increasing maintenance costs, and shortening component life. This article explains how pressure washing can damage landing gear, what parts are […]

CL300 NDT Inspection

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that we now have the required Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) standards, tooling, and trained personnel in place to perform Task 57-11-00-108 on the Bombardier Challenger 300 (CL300) aircraft. This special detailed inspection — Rear Spar Lower Cap and Lower Aft Plank — is a structural inspection that requires eddy […]

Aircraft Exterior Paint

Protecting an aircraft’s exterior paint is about more than appearance. It’s about preserving value, performance, and long-term durability. At West Star Aviation, we offer advanced titanium and ceramic coating solutions designed to extend the life of your aircraft’s paint while enhancing its finish and ease of maintenance. Whether you are investing in a brand-new paint […]

Cockpit Voice Recorder

A significant advancement in aviation safety is arriving — and West Star Aviation is leading the way. Beginning May 16, 2025, all newly manufactured U.S.-registered aircraft were required to be delivered with 25-hour Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs). In addition, existing aircraft already subject to CVR requirements must be upgraded by 2030. This new long-duration recording […]

Avionics Investment

Collins Aerospace offers 5% new enrollment discount on all new enrollments from now until March 31, 2026 When you choose West Star Aviation for your next avionics upgrade, you gain access to a powerful combination of Collins Aerospace factory incentives and exclusive West Star discounts — delivering exceptional value along with industry-leading expertise. As an […]

Challenger Nosewheel

The FAA has proposed Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-17-32 affecting multiple Bombardier Challenger aircraft, including Models CL-600-1A11 (Challenger 600), CL-600-2A12 (Challenger 601), and CL-600-2B16 (601-3A, 601-3R, and Challenger 604). West Star Aviation is actively supporting Challenger operators with compliance planning and service bulletin incorporation related to this proposed nosewheel steering AD. FAA Proposed AD: Background and […]

MSP Avionics

We are pleased to announce that Honeywell has named West Star Aviation as a Premier Dealer for MSP Avionics and Control Systems Programs. New 2026 Customer Incentives Available: Please contact your West Star Sales Manager today for more information on extra MSP Program discounts. Honeywell Targeted Platforms that will receive additional New Enrollment discounts for […]

Aircraft Engines

Understanding your engine’s true maintenance status begins with one essential question: Where is the engine in its maintenance interval — and what is that interval? With many next-generation engines now operating under OEM-issued extensions or “on-condition” requirements, determining this accurately requires more than relying on electronic tracking programs. At West Star Aviation, our specialists always […]

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 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.