Inaugural Aviation Maintenance Grads Mark Milestone

West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), established in January 2024 by West Star Aviation in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class in the presence of employees, families, community members, and industry leaders. These 23 graduates are now in the process of testing for their FAA Airframe License. At the same time, West Star welcomed 25 new apprentices into WSAA, with their graduation anticipated in spring 2025. This milestone marks a significant achievement in West Star Aviation’s approach to addressing the Aircraft Maintenance Technician shortage.

With WSAA, individuals are carefully screened, interviewed, and hired into a full-time, paid position. Participants are required to complete a customized Part 147 Airframe maintenance curriculum in a dedicated West Star classroom and learning hangar during their first 7.5 months of employment.

David Magg, the first student to test for and pass his Airframe License, remarked, “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.”

Building on the success of its first cohort, WSAA has already launched its second group of apprentices and is strategically planning future expansions to continue its work in aviation education. These developments will be announced in due course.

“This is an extremely good opportunity for people interested in aviation. It’s particularly great for younger individuals who can start their careers sooner,” David Magg added, emphasizing the value of WSAA for the next generation of aviation professionals.