aircraft on ground support

24/7/365 AOG SUPPORT: 215.937.9020 | aog@wsa.aero

Dallas, TX: Challenger 600

The Lower Tail Cone, Tail Tank ASSY, Lower Fairing and Primary Support Structure of a Challenger 600 were extensively damaged due to improper fueling. The tail and Saddle Tanks were filled without fuel in the wings causing the aircraft to sit down on its tail with its nose in the air.

The crew used weights and walked FWD in the cabin until the Aircraft sat back down causing a hard landing condition on the nose gear.

West Star Aviation’s AOG/MRT was contacted and Damage Analysis Process visually identified all structure affected. We then documented all damage dimensions, locations, affected part numbers if data was available and submitted the information to Bombardier for review and corrective action.

Many of our structure responses involve insurance, so it’s critical to identify all damage to ensure airworthiness and provide the customer with the best overall outlook for cost and scheduling permanent repairs if required.

Further analysis requirements were established by Bombardier and Safran, the landing gear OEM. These included verifications of airworthiness on the landing gear, fuel systems and additional structural inspections and were performed by the West Star Aviation AOG/MRT Team.

Temporary Structural Repairs, Ferry parameters and configurations were established.  These temporary repairs were fabricated with the support of Dallas Aeronautical Services in Cedar Hill, TX (West Star Aviation Affiliate Company).  The temporary repairs were installed, the aircraft was placed in proper configuration and released for Ferry to our KALN facility for permanent repair.

Upon arrival at West Star Aviation’s East Alton, IL facility, the Tail Tank, Lower Fairing, Tail Cone, and all Landing Gear were all replaced.  The existing Landing Gear was sent to Safran for further analysis.

AOG/MRT Responders:
Jim Welch
Hampton (Hammy) Lester
Russ Kissel
John (Tom) Lundy
Patrick Presnell

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. 

Connect with Experience by downloading our mobile app for Apple and Android devices:
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.