Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

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.

The West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA)—an in-house airframe and powerplant (A&amp;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&amp;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&amp;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.

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.

Twenty-five West Star Graduates Qualify for Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Tests

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

West Star Aviation and Southwestern Illinois College partnered to develop the WSAA program to help mitigate the ongoing shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians. 

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

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

MRO provider serves general aviation, commercial aviation, and defense customers

AAR and Collins Extend Deicing Distribution Agreement

EASA and FAA approval also adds non-destructive testing capabilities

ExecuJet Malaysia Adds Falcon 7X to Mx Capabilities

Modification package available for classic and APMG owners

Honda Adds Upgrades to Latest HondaJet Configuration

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

West Star Aviation

More In Maintenance and Modifications

AAR and Collins Extend Deicing Distribution Agreement

MRO provider serves general aviation, commercial aviation, and defense customers

ExecuJet Malaysia Adds Falcon 7X to Mx Capabilities

EASA and FAA approval also adds non-destructive testing capabilities

Honda Adds Upgrades to Latest HondaJet Configuration

Modification package available for classic and APMG owners

Multiple Business Jet Checks and Repairs Keep AMAC Busy

Engineers have worked on Dassault, Gulfstream, and Bombardier aircraft

Atlas Air Service Named Textron Special-mission Sales Rep

Bremen-headquartered company has decades of experience

Ontic Opens MRO Center of Excellence in Florida

Consolidates company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities in the U.S.

AINsight: Reducing the Mx Burden Could Help Aviation

The more work required on an aircraft, the more mechanics are needed

Bombardier’s UAE Service Center Taking Shape

Slated to open in second half of 2026

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