Production Manager

Martha Jercinovich

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

West Star Aviation is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to addressing the nationwide shortage of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. The West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) has achieved a remarkable 100% graduation rate, with 25 graduates now qualified to test for the FAA Airframe certification, far surpassing completion rates of traditional programs.
Operated by West Star Aviation as its internal maintenance training hub and developed in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), the Academy offers a unique blend of paid apprenticeship, academic coursework, and hands-on training. Students have direct access to a Falcon Jet, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in real-time maintenance scenarios. Earlier this year, the innovative approach of the WSAA was recognized by the Aviation Week Program Excellence Awards, honoring West Star for its leadership in workforce innovation and aviation talent development.
“When we founded the Academy, we set out to do more than train technicians—we wanted to create opportunity,” said Katie Johnson, Chief People Officer at West Star Aviation. “By removing traditional barriers to entry, this program opens doors for mechanically inclined individuals to gain aviation maintenance knowledge and skills, earn while they learn, and step directly into a growing, high-tech field.”
Since its inception in January 2024, the Academy has successfully supported 71 technician hires becoming certified Aviation Maintenance Technicians, strengthening West Star’s pipeline of qualified professionals to address the industry’s evolving needs. Graduates of the Academy include recent high school students, veterans, and mid-career professionals transitioning into aviation. Notably, 85% of this graduating class joined us from various states across the country, highlighting the program’s attraction as West Star creates a center of excellence model to support enhanced staffing across its locations.
“This Academy is vital not only for addressing our immediate hiring needs but also for reinforcing the fundamental truth that the MRO industry is a service business. Our success relies on having skilled and dedicated people. The ability to attract such talent through this program is a significant achievement and speaks volumes about the future of aviation maintenance,” added Stephen Maiden, Chief Executive Officer.
West Star is excited to prepare for the next cohort of 25 Apprentices, set to join the Academy on January 12, 2026. For more information about upcoming Academy programs and application details, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy">www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy</a>.

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In this article

West Star Aviation

More In Training and Workforce

Twenty-five West Star Graduates Qualify for A&P Tests

In-house academy is helping relieve the shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians

West Star Growing Authorizations, Facilities, Team

West Star is authorized Embraer Legacy/Praetor overhaul facility

Camp Systems, West Star Partner on AI Operations Manager

Artifical intelligence tool will help MROs improve opertaions and business efficiency

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Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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New chapter for MRO provider

West Star Aviation Keeps Mx Training Program Rolling

Company's Aviation Academy has graduated its second class

West Star Aviation Hosts Kids for STEM Field Trip

Building aviation awareness through student outreach

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