aircraft on ground support

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

Plans Expansion of Grand Junction, CO Facility

West Star is pleased to announce plans for major facility expansion at their Grand Junction, CO (GJT) in order to keep pace with customer demand.

The Grand Junction, Colorado facility is planning a new 40,000 sq. ft. hangar with an additional 35,000 sq. ft. of shop and office space. The shop space will include a larger interior shop, a complete composite shop and tool room. The new facility will be focused on the expansion of large aircraft capability and is slated to be complete in 2023. The expansion would increase the GJT location’s operational footprint to approximately 379,000 sq. ft. The company plans to add 84 additional technicians in the next 12 months and an additional 100 new jobs as the facility expansion nears completion. This expansion is being supported by a Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and Strategic Fund Project from the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC).

In addition to the expansion project and for the Strategic Fund portion of the package, the Grand Junction Economic Partnership and Industrial Developments Inc. will provide a local match to jumpstart the construction of the project. This will also allow for the jobs to be created and filled at a faster pace.

“We are pleased to be able to implement a growth and expansion plan for our Grand Junction facility. The expansion will not only benefit our customers, with additional large aircraft capability, but also the community with additional job growth and career opportunities,” said Dave Krogman, General Manager, GJT. “We are grateful for our community’s support during our expansion and thankful for our working relationship with the local community which has always been a priority in Grand Junction,” he continued.

“West Star has been one of the fastest growing business MROs for the past 20 years,” said Jim Rankin West Star Aviation CEO. “We are committed to implementing sustainable growth that benefits both our customers, employees and the surrounding community. The expansion project will ensure West Star Aviation will be well-positioned to meet our customers’ needs for the next five years and beyond.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
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.