AOG/MRT

West Star Aviation Joins Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) and Sister Organization, Choose Aviation

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that it has joined the Aviation Technical Education Council and is actively supporting the mission of their sister organization, Choose Aviation.

The mission of both organizations strengthens West Star Aviation’s longstanding focus on connecting with our local communities, K-12 educational institutions and part 147 aviation maintenance schools to promote career opportunities, apprenticeships, internships and mentoring while improving future access to licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.

ATEC along with sister organization Choose Aerospace, are pioneering new ways to address the AMT talent shortage which aligns with West Star’s focus.  By joining ATEC and supporting Choose Aerospace, we are becoming better advocates in our local communities to share the rich content and stimulated learning already developed for K-12 educational institutions to incorporate Aviation Maintenance into their high school curriculum. 

By providing tools and ready to go resources including learning developed by part 147 educators using the latest technology, the program will increase interest of prospective AMTs at a younger age and lead to more students pursuing an AMT related career. When more pathways exist to go from high school to college or high school to work, the prospective employees and the companies wanting to hire them both win.  Our customers choose West Star Aviation for our highly skilled workforce, and we are passionate about promoting the opportunities in our communities of becoming an AMT whenever possible. 

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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 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.