aircraft on ground support

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

Month: March 2023

MRT/AOG

A Learjet 45 had its winglet damaged while being moved by the line crew in Fairbanks, AL. The right-hand winglet was towed into the hangar door.  The customer removed the damaged winglet and attempted to install a used unit.  The used winglet’s attachment hole pattern did not match and was deemed not usable. The customer […]

Robert Hunt

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of Norman Hunt to Avionics Technical Representative at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. Norm has over 35 years of experience, previously serving in the U.S. Navy as well as working at American Electronic Laboratories, Midcoast and Gulfstream. Norm has been with West Star since 2016 in […]

Embraer Flight Testing

West Star Aviation’s ALN facility is proud to have recently played an integral role in a 30-day flight test campaign for the Embraer Flight Test Team.  The team, tasked with flight testing and analysis of SENS4ICE, a new approach of hybridization of different ice detection techniques, needed a facility to conduct flight testing, data capture […]

Rob Jolly

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of Job Jolly to dual role of Director of Regional Sales and while also continuing to serve as Regional Sales Manager (West). Rob joined West Star Aviation in 2016 and previously held regional sales manager positions at other leading aviation companies. Rob will be responsible for planning […]

George Laiten

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of George Laiten to the Director of Bombardier Business Development at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. George will focus on new business opportunities with customers, vendors and OEMs while collaborating across departments and sites to identify key enhancements and solutions for our valued customers. Since 2011, […]

Madelyn Pagno Pierce

West Star is pleased to announce the promotion of Madelyn Pagano Pierce to Interior and Paint Designer at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. Madelyn has over 15 years of aviation experience, with a bachelor’s degree in Interior design from Missouri State University. “Madelyn excels at bringing each customer a unique experience with all our […]

Tim Whitehead

West Star is pleased to announce Tim Whitehead as the new Falcon Project Manager at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. Tim has over 12 years of experience in aviation with Boeing with roles as Assembly Mechanic, inspector and Manufacturing/Operations Manager. Tim has his master’s and bachelor’s degree from McKendree University and his Associates of […]

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.