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

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.

The WSAA program started in January 2024, and 71 technician hires have become licensed A&Ps. Students include high school students, military veterans, and mid-career professionals who want a career change. The next group of 25 apprentices begins on January 12.

“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.”

"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," said CEO Stephen Maiden.