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Several West Star Aviation Locations Awarded FAA Diamond Award of Excellence

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce that four of their main, full-services locations of Chattanooga, TN (CHA), Grand Junction, CO (GJT), Perryville, MO (PCD) and East Alton, IL (ALN) have been awarded the FAA Diamond Award of Excellence for completing AMT specialized training pertaining to aviation maintenance, safety and FAA rules. This is the first year that three of the locations (ALN, GJT and CHA) have been awarded this prestigious honor, while PCD has been awarded several years in a row.

Established in 1991, this is the highest aviation honor in the aircraft maintenance industry, and West Star is proud to be recognized for their continued commitment to aviation excellence with this certification that accolades the expertise in their maintenance program. The rigorous 12-month program requires 100% participation from all eligible technicians, who provide dedicated service and maintenance to our customers along with following a specific structured safety training program.

“This award is the representation of the hard work and dedication from our team of technicians that make it possible to be recognized for the reputation of excellence and expertise we continue to build upon here at West Star,” said Steve Goede, General Manager (CHA).

“Our teams have worked diligently all year to accomplish this ambitious goal and we are honored that our technicians have been recognized for all their efforts and continued commitment to ongoing training and safety measures for our customers,” said Dave Krogman, General Manager (GJT).

“We are honored yet again to be awarded this annual achievement. Our teams continue to succeed in learning and growing while providing the best service to our customers,” said Kyle French, General Manager (PCD)

“The success of West Star has a direct link to our team members who continue to build on their skills and expertise from programs like these, all while benefiting our customers,” said Scott Sweeney, General Manager (ALN)

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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.