US business aviation MRO specialist West Star Aviation has promoted Leonard Lentz to aviation technical trainer and Jeff Yeager to landing gear senior team lead at its Grand Junction Regional airport facility in Colorado. Additionally, Darin Perryman has been hired as the accessories and landing gear programme manager there.

In his new role, Lentz will develop a training culture for technicians that promotes professional growth and success. The programme will focus on initiatives related to technical training, development, mentoring and career advancement, along with continuing some NDT duties for training and certification.

Lentz has over 43 years in aircraft maintenance and repair, 32 of those with West Star, previously as NDT lead. He holds a variety of professional training certifications covering such diverse subjects as Continental Engine maintenance; Learjet 30 series maintenance; initial and recurrent training for FAA Designation for Mechanic Examiner, Airframe and Powerplant; and numerous other courses related to common methods of non-destructive testing. He earned an Associate in Science degree in aircraft maintenance and obtained an FAA airframe and powerplant licence from Reedley College in California.

“It's an exciting time at Grand Junction to have Leonard Lentz named as aviation maintenance trainer,” says general manager Dave Krogman. “This newly added position recognises our company's growth and evolution, and having someone of Leonard's calibre with his knowledge and experience makes him an excellent choice for the position.”

“I started my career in the aviation industry in 1979 as an aircraft mechanic. I have been fortunate to work alongside many great mentors and have been awarded many opportunities to learn and develop throughout my career,” says Lentz. “My goal is to develop an experience that inspires every current and future West Star teammate to reach their full potential through training and development.”

Yeager has been with West Star since 2018, previously as the accessories and landing gear manager, and will now be more hands on with the delivery of landing gear and aircraft components.

“Jeff will be getting more involved in the technical side of the production shop, assisting with training, inspecting, analysis and new programme start-ups, all the things Jeff has a passion for,” adds Krogman. “His vast technical knowledge will be more available to the shop floor, helping us grow this programme to the next level.”

Perryman has over 14 years of Gulfstream experience, working mostly in the landing gear division. He will be focusing on service, repair and return of aircraft accessories and landing gear in a timely manner to the highest satisfaction of our customers.

“I'm excited that Darin Perryman has joined the accessories team,” Krogman continues. “His knowledge and experience will add horsepower to a programme that has been a mainstay at the Grand Junction site for many years. I'm also excited that Darin and Jeff will be teaming up to take us to the next level. The accessories and landing gear programme is a great team of technicians, I appreciate all they do each day and only want to see this programme continue to grow and offer new opportunities for all.”