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Completes First Collins Pro Line Fusion + Venue CMS Installation In Challenger 604

West Star Aviation Completes First Collins Pro Line Fusion + Venue CMS Installation In Challenger 604
West Star Aviation Completes First Collins Pro Line Fusion + Venue CMS Installation In Challenger 604
Challenger 604
Challenger 604
Challenger 604

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce the company has completed the first installation of both the Collins Pro Line Fusion system and Collins Venue CMS system in a Challenger 604 aircraft at its Grand Junction, CO facility. 

The avionics specialists at West Star Aviation have plenty of experience with the in-depth cockpit and cabin upgrades over several generations of Collins equipment in various airframes. The company recently partnered with Collins on successful Fusion 1st of Type STC on the CJ2+.

“However, the combination of Pro Line Fusion and the Collins Venue CMS retrofit on a Challenger 604 represented a unique first for not only West Star, but the industry as well,” said Walt Marcy, Avionics Technical Sales Manager.

The Fusion system offers several benefits to the proven and still robust Challenger airframe such as:

  • Removes obsolescence issues with Pro Line IV cockpit components
  • Brings aircraft back into full compliance with all international standards
  • Adds full synthetic vision to the aircraft with multiple overlay options
  • Enhanced safety through increased awareness with heads-up flying
  • Adds full duel graphical flight planning with data link integration
  • Adds domestic data link capabilities

This specific operator selected enhanced options with their install, including FANS/CPDLC, ANT B1/Link 2000+, Multiscan Weather, SXM Weather, Auto Throttle upgrade as well as a full Collins Venue CMS/IFE retrofit.  

While in GJT for the cockpit and cabin avionic installations, the aircraft also underwent a full cabin refurbishment, including all soft goods and all new carbon fiber woodwork as well as a 96-month inspection.

The project was a perfect example of West Star’s Challenger and Avionics expertise and was returned to service twelve weeks after input.

West Star Aviation offers one-stop service for all your Bombardier Challenger MRO needs:

  • All Major Inspections & Repairs
  • 24/7 On-Call & Drop-In Technical Support Available By Request
  • FAA Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) Rating
  • Complete In-House NDT Capabilities, Including X-Ray
  • Structural & Systems FAA-DER Engineers On Staff
  • FAA-DAR On Staff
  • AOG Parts Support
  • Component & Accessory Overhaul & Exchange
  • Professionally Trained Technicians On All Models
  • Avionics, Interior & Paint Capabilities
  • Pre-Purchase Evaluations Including AD & Service Bulletin Research & Compliance
  • In-House Landing Gear Calendar Inspections & Restoration
  • CL600/601 Landing Gear Rental/Exchange 
  • CL604 HUD Vision Access “HVA”

Factory Authorized Engine & APU Support

  • General Electric Authorized Service Center – CF 34 Series Engines 
  • Honeywell Authorized Line Service Center – HTF 7000 Series Engines 
  • Honeywell Authorized Line Service Center – 36 Series & RE 220 APUs

For more information on these or any other Challenger avionics capabilities,
please contact any of the West Star specialists below:

Aaron Berg

Aaron Berg

Technical Sales Manager Avionics (GJT)
Office 970.243.7500
aberg@wsa.aero

Josh Peterson

Josh Peterson

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (CHA)
Office 423.661.8928
jpeterson@wsa.aero

Jim Ellis

Jim Ellis

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office 618.258.8065
jellis@wsa.aero

Walt Marcy

Walt Marcy

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (GJT)
Office 970.248.5258
wmarcy@wsa.aero

Mike Sichmeller

Mike Sichmeller

Technical Sales Manager, Avionics (ALN)
Office 618.258.8863 msichmeller@wsa.aero

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

Technical Sales Manager
(PCD)
Cell 314.607.4069
jmessmer@wsa.aero

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.