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Painting Your Bombardier Global or Challenger and “SRPSA”

Getting ready to paint your Global or Challenger? Under normal circumstances most corporate aircraft get repainted every 7 to 10 years. Some more frequently with new ownership, fleet updates, etc.

We/I often get asked what paint brands does WSA use and what are my options? In no specific order, it ranges from Sherwin Williams (Jet Glo and Acry-Glo), PPG, Axalta, US Paint AlimiGrip, Axzo Nobel and Hentzen, to name a few.

Regarding paint products/finishes/brands, most OEMs offer or have flexibility when an aircraft gets repainted/refurbished, but some don’t. Bombardier for example, requires PPG products to be applied to/on their aircraft.

As it relates to Bombardier’s Global and Challenger, we often get requests to use custom finishes and colors that aren’t always available through PPG.

So, what is a Bombardier’s “SRPSA”? Simply put, it is a Special Request or process to vary from the OEM’s standard or a Special Request for Product Support Action. This is applicable at paint refurbishment time, as well as when other mods and refurbishments are completed/performed.

If a customer requests the use of a non-PPG product, WSA sends in detailed info about the product (product details, definitions and processes for application of primers, paint finishes and clear coats, etc.) for permission to vary Bombardier’s PPG requirements. In turn, Bombardier reviews the request through a matrix of requirements and guidelines, to either decline or approve the products requested to use, other than what they normally specify for this type of upgrade, improvement, modification or event.

Typically, Bombardier has a fee for SRPSAs to vary from the standard and it is normally absorbed into the cost of the refurbishment.

More often than not, our warranty and opinion of using these products is the same regardless if it’s PPG or any other.

As paint brands go, each has appearance, quality, durability, longevity and preservation with the same or similar results. Even though there are differences from one brand to the next, every paint brand has its pros and nuances to consider.

George Euler

George Euler

Corporate Aircraft Interior Sales Manager
(GJT)
Office 970.248.5294
geuler@wsa.aero

Julie Timmons

Julie Timmons

Corporate Aircraft Interior Sales Manager
(ALN)
Office 618.258.8814
jtimmons@wsa.aero

Samantha Boyce

Samantha Boyce

Paint & Interior Design Sales Associate
(CHA)
Office 423.661.8925
sboyce@wsa.aero

Robert Wood

Robert Wood

Program Manager, Paint
(ALN)
Office 618.610.3471
rwood@wsa.aero

Mark Birmingham

Mark Birmingham

Program Manager, Paint
(GJT)
Office 970.985.0870
mbirmingham@wsa.aero

Jeremy Turnbough

Jeremy Turnbough

Program Manager, Paint
(CHA)
Office 618.225.3899
jturnbough@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.