See more information from the Business Air News Handbook
Press Release
Issued by West Star Aviation.
October 20, 2025
West Star Aviation has proudly announced its recent designation as an authorised overhaul facility for Embraer Praetor and Legacy jets landing gear, achieved through a strategic partnership with Héroux-Devtek Inc. This milestone highlights the US business jet MRO specialist's unwavering commitment to providing exceptional landing gear service and support for Embraer aircraft, specifically the Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 models.
“We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious authorisation, which enhances our long-standing relationship with Embraer as an authorised service centre for over 15 years,” said Steve Goede, VP of landing gear and accessories. “Our state-of-the-art landing gear facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Grand Junction, Colorado, enable us not just to keep pace with, but to exceed, the rigorous demands of landing gear overhaul. This partnership with Héroux-Devtek Inc. ensures that we can deliver the highest calibre of service to Embraer operators.”
“Leveraging West Star Aviation's capabilities as an Embraer authorised aircraft maintenance facility for the Legacy/Praetor, adding landing gear capabilities to West Star's in-house portfolio of services will allow it to shorten the overall turnaround time and ensure an outstanding customer experience,” said Marc-Olivier Gagnon, VP of engineering and product support from Héroux-Devtek.
West Star Aviation's facilities have been thoughtfully designed and equipped to provide comprehensive overhaul services, featuring:
- Collaborative training/learning classrooms: Allows its technicians to access updated training and best practices directly related to Embraer's specifications and Héroux-Devtek's OEM standards.
- Dedicated cadmium plating line with chemistry lab: This specialised in-house process ensures precise corrosion treatment for landing gear components in compliance with Héroux-Devtek's quality requirements.
- Energy-saving lighting and operational equipment: Implementation of energy-efficient technologies that enhance productivity while supporting West Star's commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Advanced paint removal and high-tech cleaning processes: Cutting-edge techniques utilised for the thorough preparation and inspection of landing gear components.
- Distinctive shop architecture and design: Geared towards optimising workflow efficiency, ensuring a smooth operation from disassembly through to assembly and testing.
- OEM advanced techniques and training: Directly aligned with Héroux-Devtek's methods, ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge to meet or exceed OEM standards.
- Precision tooling and equipment: Built to the pinnacle of aerospace standards, enabling West Star Aviation to deliver repairs and overhauls that meet Héroux-Devtek's stringent specifications.
- Integrated and equipped modern infrastructure: Supporting precise testing and calibration of landing gear systems, crucial for maintaining type certification.
- Smart technology: Inclusion of advanced technological systems, allowing West Star's technicians real-time access to the necessary technical data to facilitate accurate overhaul procedures.
With the capacity to deliver superior service, the MRO's Chattanooga and Grand Junction facilities completed over 125 ship sets in 2024 and are on track to surpass 150 in 2025, with projections indicating the servicing of over 900 total landing gear components this year. The heart of its operation consists of nearly 50 dedicated technicians along with programme managers, QA/QC inspectors and operations coordinators focused on maintaining the highest standards of quality in the overhaul process.
Key details regarding West Star's partnership and authorisation:
- Inventory investment: A dedicated investment of $1.5 million specifically for OEM-approved rotable and replacement parts in a targeted effort to streamline turnaround times within a very competitive completion window for all Embraer components.
- Tooling collaboration: In partnership with Héroux-Devtek Inc., West Star has sourced and developed specialised tooling that complies with OEM specifications, allowing it to effectively repair and test landing gear components.
- Components covered: Its overhaul process will rigorously cover critical components, including main gear assemblies, side stay assemblies, nose retract actuators and more, all under the guidelines provided by Héroux-Devtek.
- Logistics and support: Comprehensive support for crating and dedicated logistics throughout the overhaul process, ensuring safe and efficient handling of the landing gear components.
- Completion timeline: The rollout of West Star Aviation's first authorised overhaul projects is anticipated to commence in November 2025, with ongoing engineering optimisation and tooling preparations already in place.
- Certifications: Its facilities hold FAA, EASA, UK CAA and ANAC certifications, validating its compliance with international aerospace standards.
In addition to landing gear services, West Star Aviation provides a comprehensive array of support services, including machining, OEM-backed engineering, NDT/CAD plating, spot-repair anodising onsite, as well as a full-service capability for aircraft inspections, paint, interior modifications and avionics installations.
