Kerry Lynch stepped into the role of editor of the&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;monthly magazine in May 2022 after serving with&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;for eight years. She joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in December 2014 as a senior editor covering Washington and business aviation news. She has also served on Convention News teams, including as editor of&nbsp;HAI Convention News. Lynch previously spent 25 years with Aviation Week. During her time there, she reported for and later steered&nbsp;The Weekly of Business Aviation, oversaw business aviation content on the&nbsp;Aviation Week Intelligence Network, served on the&nbsp;Show News&nbsp;staff, and held roles as the Washington columnist for&nbsp;Business &amp; Commercial Aviation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Overhaul &amp; Maintenance&nbsp;monthly magazines. In 2021 she was honored with the National Business Aviation Association Platinum Wing Award for lifetime achievement in journalism and was the 2004 recipient of the National Air Transportation Association’s Aviation Journalism Excellence Award. She also has been a recipient of an Aerospace Media Award for business aviation (2022) and NBAA Gold Wing Award (2003, 2024). Lynch graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

Editor, AIN monthly magazine

Kerry Lynch

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 celebrating the graduation of its inaugural class of its academy established in January as the MRO looks to build the pipeline of its next generation of workers. Formed in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), West Star Aviation Academy (WSSA) graduated an initial class of 23 and has welcomed the next 25 students who will complete their coursework and hands-on training in second-quarter 2025.
The graduating class marks a key milestone in West Star’s innovative approach to developing its workforce, the company said. Under the program, prospective apprentices are screened, interviewed, and hired into a full-time paid position. The participants must complete a customized Part 147 airframe maintenance curriculum in a dedicated West Star classroom and hangar over 7.5 months. Under this approach, West Star said apprentices can fully focus on developing the necessary skills rather than having to balance work and training.
By undergoing a tailored curriculum, graduates are prepared to join the MRO with hands-on experience with West Star’s aircraft, systems, manuals, and procedures. “We’ve learned a massive amount about how aircraft work, how to repair them, and how to perform maintenance. The knowledge we’re gaining is very applicable to our work,” said David Magg, the first student to test and pass his mechanic certificate and airframe rating through WSAA.
WSAA credited its strong partnerships with SWIC and community organizations for the program. “WSAA has set a new standard for aviation education, combining academic excellence with practical, hands-on experience,” said Brad Sparks, dean of the aviation program at SWIC.
As WSAA kicks off training for its second group of apprentices, the company is eyeing future expansions of the program as it continues to grow rapidly. West Star said such announcements will be forthcoming over time.
“We’re proud to offer unique opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and launch successful careers in aviation,” said Katie Johnson, chief people officer at West Star Aviation. “WSAA is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people and ensuring the continued excellence of our workforce.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

West Star's Academy Graduates First Class

West Star Aviation Academy has already inducted its second class

In a milestone to a new approach to training, West Star Aviation Academy graduated its initial class of 23 students.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

In this article

West Star Aviation

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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