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Chad Farischon Joins West Star Aviation as New VP of Strategic Development

Chad Farischon
Chad Farischon

West Star is pleased to announce Chad Farischon as their new Vice President of Strategic Development. Farischon will drive strategic growth opportunities through merger and acquisitions, integration and business optimization.

Farischon has a diverse background in aviation and brings more than 30 years of expertise in operations and management skills. He is coming from Lynx FBO Network, which he cofounded and held the position of President and Partner. From 2016 to 2021, he built the Lynx FBO Network which resulted in nine locations and industry leading results. Prior to that, he served for six years as the Regional Vice President with Landmark Aviation. Farischon earned his B.S. degree in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He currently holds a private pilot license and is a member of the National Business Aircraft Association, American Association of Airport Executives and National Air Transport Association (Airport Business Committee Chair).

“As West Star continues to grow, we are looking for more ways to bring greater value to our customers.” said Jim Rankin, CEO. “Chad brings a wealth of industry knowledge, and we look forward to him leveraging our existing momentum along with his industry resources to further build the company. We’re excited to have him a part of our team,” Rankin continued.

“I am excited to join the team at West Star and to continue to build on their service capabilities and facilities to key contracts and strategic growth initiatives. West Star is well-positioned for continued success, and I am excited to be part of this industry-leading management team,” said Farischon.

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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.