West Star Aviation announces that after nearly 20 years, Robert (Bob) Rasberry, Chairman of the Board, is retiring from the company. Rasberry will continue with West Star’s Board of Directors as Chairman Emeritus and join Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a middle-market equity investment firm and parent of West Star Aviation, as a Senior Advisor supporting NEP’s continued interest in aviation-related investments.

West Star announces Robert Wood as the new Paint Program assistant manager at its East Alton (ALN) facility. Wood will assist and collaborate on paint processes and projects.

The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) announces that all attendees at the upcoming AEA Connect Conferences in Kansas City (Oct. 2-3) and Daytona Beach (Nov. 4-5) will have the opportunity to take the Aircraft Electronics Technician certification and endorsement exams free of charge, a $175 value, courtesy of the AEA Educational Foundation.

Locatory.com, an aviation IT company primarily acting as an aircraft parts locator, a part of Avia Solutions Group, has announced about its investment in a new business. The company is spreading its services portfolio and has started the leasing of aircraft engine stands globally. It is planned that in five upcoming years Locatory.com will invest over 10 million USD.

Pro Star Precision Machining, a subsidiary of Pro Star Aviation, announces it has received Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) certificate number PQ10043NE from the FAA. PMA is a design and production approval for the modification and replacement of articles for type certificated parts and products. 

This new approval will allow Pro Star Aviation to manufacture certified parts and kits to sell for use on OEM, Special Missions, Commercial, and Government platforms.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) recognizes the aviation business community for its dedication and tireless efforts in providing relief to those impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

Duncan Aviation announces it has received FAA approval for a supplemental type certificate (STC) that will allow installation of SmartSky’s air-to-ground connectivity system for Challenger 601, 604, 605 and 650 aircraft. SmartSky’s network brings new, high-performance Wi-Fi to business aircraft, powered by a mix of advanced 4G LTE and 5G technologies.

StandardAero, a provider of cockpit display upgrades, cabin connectivity upgrades and other avionics upgrades for the business aviation industry, receives supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for installing Viasat Ku, Ka or KuKa SATCOM systems on Bombardier Global 5000/6000/GEX model business jets. The system is the fastest Ka SATCOM solution currently available.

Banyan Air Service, based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, is hosting a customer appreciation open house on Sept. 14, 2019, from 10 AM-3 PM in celebration of its 40th anniversary.

Lynn Nichols, chairman and chief executive officer of Yingling Aviation, announces the elevation of his son, Andrew Nichols, the firm’s current chief financial officer, to the position of president.