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West Star Aviation Welcomes Jon Hein as Regional Sales Manager, Landing Gear and Accessories

East Alton, IL – [January 7th, 2025] – West Star Aviation is pleased to announce Jon Hein as the new Regional Sales Manager, Landing Gear and Accessories, effective December 2024. Jon joins West Star with more than 21 years of aviation experience, stepping into the role following the retirement of long-time leader Steve Fleeman.

Jon’s aviation career began at Duncan Aviation, where he spent more than two decades developing extensive technical expertise and a deep understanding of customer needs. He served as an Electronics/Electromechanical Technician for 10 years before transitioning into Accessories and Landing Gear Service Sales, where he spent six years managing business development and supporting a wide range of client needs. Jon later became an Airframe Service Sales representative, specializing in Bombardier Challenger aircraft, a role he held for four years.

In addition to his impressive aviation background, Jon brings an entrepreneurial spirit to his work, having pursued a passion for building and innovation by founding and managing his own construction business. His ability to balance technical expertise with creative problem-solving makes him a dynamic addition to the West Star team.

“We are excited to welcome Jon to West Star Aviation,” said Marty Rhine, Chief Customer Officer and Executive Leader of Sales. “His wealth of experience, customer-focused approach, and entrepreneurial mindset align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to our clients.”

Jon’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental as West Star continues to enhance its Landing Gear and Accessories division.

About West Star Aviation With more than 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and

Chicago. The company’s extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and

avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country,

ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:

Dana Seese

VP, Marketing

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.