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West Star Aviation Offers FANS Installation STC For Citation X Operators & MROs

FANS Installation STC For Citation X
FANS Installation STC For Citation X

The avionics specialists at West Star Aviation have developed and certified an STC for the Installation of Future Air Navigation System (FANS) equipment for Citation X aircraft in partnership with Honeywell.The first installation was recently completed at the company’s East Alton, IL (ALN) location.

The FANS approval will provide Citation X operators the ability to fly in the most efficient routes in remote airspace and allows operation in the North Atlantic Tracks (NATS).  The installation also provides enhanced digital communication in North American and European airspace.

While the initial certification installation occurred at the ALN location, the STC is available at any of the four full-service locations including Grand Junction, CO (GJT), Chattanooga, TN (CHA), Perryville, MO (PCD) and East Alton, IL, (ALN).  Downtime for a typical installation is estimated at just four weeks.

The Citation X FANS STC is the latest addition to West Star’s growing library of airframes certified for this installation.  The company plans to make this STC available to other MROs as well.

“With FANS /CPDLC certification and operational approvals on the Citation X, the STC will allow airplanes to communicate more efficiently with ATC and get more advantageous routing. The more efficient datalink communications provides faster and more reliable communications along with reduced VHF and HF voice communications.  More accurate position reporting will result in efficiency gains and reduced aircraft separation.  This installation brings the next gen communications capability to the cockpit,” said Mike Sichmeller, Avionics Technical Sales Manager (ALN). 

For more information on this STC or any of the other available FANS airframe applications, please contact any of the West Star Aviation Avionics Technical Sales Managers 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

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

Jim Ellis

Jim Ellis

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

Jeff Messmer

Jeff Messmer

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

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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.