aircraft on ground support

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Author: Patrick Recer

Falcon 2000 Baggage Modification Install

West Star Aviation has been granted STC approval to install the Falcon 2000 baggage modification. This modification allows West Star to create usable baggage space in the Aft unpressurized area. The forward servicing compartment (FSC) panel enclosure will feature a 21.75 sq.ft. footprint, and 73.5 cu.ft. of usable baggage space. The installation weight of this […]

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce their partnership with Madison County Career and Technical Education Office, along with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) for a Federal Apprenticeship Event for National Apprenticeship Week at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility on November 14 and 15, 2019. This special event will allow students to inquire about aviation […]

Eric Valdes

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of Eric Valdes to Gulfstream Program Director with associated programs for Egyptian contracts, Accessories, NDT and Window Repair at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. Eric bring over 26 years of aviation experience with him, formally serving as Gulfstream Program Manager at West Star for the past […]

West Star Aviation is honored to be recognized for economic enhancements by RiverBend Growth Association (RBGA) in southern Illinois. West Star is one of only six honorees with this achievement and will be presented with their award at the annual luncheon happening in October. RBGA is responsible for working closely with state and local officials […]

Brian Jansen

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Brian Jansen as the new Falcon Program Manager at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility. Brian has over 29 years of aviation experience, from previous roles as lead and maintenance technician at West Star, Falcon Program Manager at AVMATS, and most recently as Director of Maintenance at Barry-Wehmiller. He […]

Michael Ditmeyer

West Star is pleased to welcome Mike Ditmeyer as the new Gulfstream Operations Manager at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility. Mike has more than 32 years of aviation experience, formally servicing as a maintenance technician and SR Operations Program Manager for Gulfstream. He received his A&P license after completing four years as a B-52 crew […]

West Star is pleased to welcome Robbie Johnson as the new Regional Sales Manager in the Mid-Atlantic sales territory. Robbie has over 22 years of aviation experience as a maintenance technician and program manager with previous positions held at Falcon, MBNA Aviation and Dawn Aero. He also received his A&P license from the Aviation Institute […]

After nearly 20 years, Robert (Bob) Rasberry, Chairman of the Board, is retiring from West Star Aviation. Bob will continue with West Star’s Board of Directors as Chairman Emeritus and join Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a middle market equity investment firm and parent of West Star Aviation, as a Senior Advisor supporting NEP’s continued interest […]

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Rusty Gardner as the new Avionics Install Manager at their East Alton (ALN) location. Rusty has over 19 years of aviation experience and formally served as a project manager in the avionics department at West Star, along with previous positions held at Flying Colours, Jet Aviation and Duncan. […]

West Star is pleased to announce that Jason Cohen has been promoted to Bombardier Global Program Manager at their Grand Junction (GJT) facility. Jason has over 30 years of aviation experience, and has been at West Star for over eight years serving on the Bombardier Technical Sales team. He acquired his A&P license from Colorado […]

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.