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West Star Announces New Addition To International Sales Team

West Star Aviation, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Lyon to lead their International Sales activities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In this new role, Lyon will be responsible for selling West Star Aviation’s numerous airframe service capabilities to corporate aviation customers throughout the region. He will report to Rick Brainard, Vice President of Sales, at West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, CO facility.

“Rich brings a wealth of international knowledge and experience to his new position,” said Brainard. “He has over thirty years of European aviation experience, including twenty years with Garrett Aviation Services and General Electric Aircraft Engine Services. He has lived in France, Germany, and the Netherlands, holding management positions of increasing responsibility and conducting business daily in English, French, and German.”

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Rich earned a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of San Diego, California, and a Masters in International Management from The American Graduate School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, holds an FAA private pilot certificate, and is an avid soaring pilot with US and UK glider pilot certificates.

Jim Swehla, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, added: “We’ve known Rich for many years and believe he will add an important and impressive new dimension to our presence internationally. Please stop by West Star Aviation’s stand at EBACE – Stand# 958 – to welcome Rich to West Star Aviation, meet our team, and learn more about what we have to offer our European, Middle Eastern, and African customers.”

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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.