aircraft on ground support

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Americus, Georgia: Embraer Praetor 500 

Americus, Georgia: Embraer Praetor 500
Americus, Georgia: Embraer Praetor 500
Americus, Georgia: Embraer Praetor 500

On 3/22/2023 West Star Aviation AOG/MRT was dispatched to Americus Georgia after an Embraer Praetor 500 hit a deer during landing.  The AOG Team was notified that there was extensive damage to the belly panels of the aircraft with wiring hanging out.

MRT arrived to assess avionics issues and structural damage. All required system checks and operational checks were completed and it was determined that the internal structure and the belly fairings would require a temporary repair prior to repositioning of the aircraft for final repair.

After conversations between Embraer and our West Star Aviation sheet metal expert,  it was determined that two internal frame doublers and a three piece external repair would be required.  

The AOG/MRT Team had to work on the aircraft outside in the elements during bad weather because of lack of hangar space.  The Team worked late into the night to get the aircraft ready for the fairy flight in a timely manner the next morning.

AOG Responders:
Randolph Bynes
Chad Head
Robert Butler

AOG Van

Trust the West Star Aviation AOG/MRT team when you need expertise the most.  Our team of 43 (and growing) specialists can tackle most any issue when you are away from your home base and AOG.  From common emergency repair issues to more complicated issues with engines, structural repair and avionics, the West Star Aviation AOG/MRT Team is just a simple click or phone call away – anywhere in the world. 

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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.