West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA)
Classes Begin August 11, 2026
Where Experience Begins to Shine®
West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) is located in East Alton, IL, and was established to develop the next generation of licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. We’re looking for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a self-starter attitude who can thrive in a safety-oriented, team-driven environment.
Our mission is to bring the spirit of individuality, creativity, and teamwork to business aviation. If you enjoy inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and solving complex challenges — WSAA could be where your aviation journey begins.
Empowering Growth
We believe that empowering individuals to shape their desired careers while providing the right support makes a transformative impact on the aviation industry. This vision helps attract a diverse, highly skilled workforce, fosters innovation, and secures the long-term growth of aviation maintenance.
Dedicated Training Center
WSAA serves as West Star’s in-house learning center for an innovative apprenticeship program. Apprentices join as full-time, paid employees and complete a 7.5-month training program that includes in-depth airframe maintenance instruction in collaboration with Southwestern Illinois College and Choose Aerospace.
Hands-On Experience
Training at WSAA combines classroom education, hands-on learning, mentorship, and job shadowing — bridging the gap between theory and real-world experience while preparing apprentices for successful, long-term careers.
The Goal of WSAA
Our goal is to produce a highly skilled and work-ready pool of FAA-licensed aircraft maintenance technicians while removing barriers to education and licensing. Graduates commit to continued employment with West Star and use their new skills to unlock their career potential.
Career Opportunities
WSAA graduates gain access to advanced career paths and long-term stability within one of the nation’s top MROs. From leading-edge equipment to structured training, paid time off, and competitive benefits — we set our team up for success, including a 15% pay premium for second shift, effective from day one.
The graduates of WSAA not only contribute to shaping the future of West Star but also to strengthening the aviation industry nationwide. Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for one of 25 apprenticeship positions available and embark on a fulfilling journey with us.
Celebrating Our West Star
Aviation Academy Graduates 🎓
Application And 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 commitment to being drug-free. Pre-employment drug testing, along with random and reasonable suspicion testing, is required to work in safety-sensitive DOT positions. If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start in the Academy and throughout employment. While marijuana may be legal in some states, the FAA follows federal law where marijuana is illegal.
- The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday–Friday, 7 am – 3:30 pm (breaks and meal periods provided). The expectation is to arrive inside the Academy by 7:00 am.
- While attending WSAA, you must not miss more than four hours per week. Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
- Testing and achieving the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required to remain employed.
Apply Online
Includes completing pre-screening assessments*
Qualified Candidates
Will be scheduled for an onsite interview in June
Finalists
Will be selected and receive a contingent employment offer*
New Hires
Start employment at the Academy
Working At West Star Aviation
Our Purpose
To bring the spirit of INDIVIDUALITY, CREATIVITY, and TEAMWORK to business aviation. We accomplish this by connecting discerning customers with our team of trusted, experienced, and quality-driven employees.
Our Values
Honesty Trustworthy Fair Accountable Respectful
Our Focus
Deliver aircraft safely, squawk-free, and on-time.
Grow our best-in-class employees.
Expand our ability to serve our customers.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Baseline for Employment
✔Show up on time — Early is on-time. On-time is late.
✔Strong attention to detail — Manuals, procedures, and all the little things ARE important.
✔Hold yourself accountable — Take ownership of your role and how you perform. It directly contributes to the safety of flight, customer satisfaction, and overall team success.
✔Take responsibility — Own the positive and negative consequences of your choices and behavior. Ask for guidance if unsure. The only stupid question is the one not asked. See something, say something — report concerning situations.
How to Advance
✔Work with a sense of urgency
Acting with intention to accomplish tasks efficiently and effectively.
✔Be willing to change and adapt
Aviation and technology are constantly changing. Being willing and able to flex and adapt to new factors, conditions, or environments is critical.
✔Be a team player
A high performing team will always be better than the best individual.
✔Proactively identify problems along with solutions
Don’t just react to problems, think ahead and anticipate what might get in the way of work and offer possible solutions.
Growing your Career
✔Embrace the mindset of being a life-long learner
A license or a degree is a license to learn, without regards to your experience level. When you stop learning you stop growing.
✔Receive feedback as an investment in your growth
Feedback is the most effective way to gain awareness of your skills including strengths, challenges, and blind spots.
✔Share knowledge
Being skillful or a subject matter expert is not enough — what you do with that knowledge matters just as much. Lift others up by sharing and strengthening those around you.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Career Path
