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Announces Smith as New Embraer Program Manager (CHA)

Michael Smith
Michael Smith

West Star is pleased to announce Michael Smith as their new Program Manager for Embraer at their Chattanooga, TN (CHA) facility.

Michael has 14 years of aviation experience, including eight at Embraer, where he earned his A&P through OT. While working for the Embraer demonstration team, Michael also earned his IA. He attended Embry-Riddle Worldwide for his bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenance and as of spring 2023, Michael earned his Certified Aviation Manager certification from the NBAA.

Before joining WSA, Michael was the Embraer Product Director for Jet East. He was involved with business development; managing customer accounts; providing technical support to customers, sales, and operations; and working closely with facilities to manage schedules and tooling.

“Michael’s skills and experience, along with his Embraer expertise, will contribute to West Star’s long-term goal of continuing to grow our expert teams while also providing the first-class service our valued customers are used to,” said Steve Goede, General Manager (CHA).

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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  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.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.