Maintenance and Modifications
Twenty-five West Star Graduates Qualify for A&P Tests
In-house academy is helping relieve the shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians
West Star Aviation Academy
Cohort 3 graduates of the West Star Aviation Academy at the company's East Alton, Illinois facility.

The West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA)—an in-house airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic training school at West Star's East Alton, Illinois facility—has achieved a 100% graduation rate for the latest cohort. The 25 graduates now qualify for testing for FAA A&P certification.

West Star Aviation and Southwestern Illinois College partnered to develop the WSAA program to help mitigate the ongoing shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians. The program includes paid apprenticeships, academic coursework, and hands-on training. A Falcon business jet is used to help students conduct real maintenance scenarios and tasks.