Staff

Justin Barkowski is Vice President, Regulatory Affairs for the American Association of Airport Executives. In his role, Justin represents and advocates for AAAE's members before the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and other agencies overseeing the U.S. aviation industry. Prior to joining AAAE, Justin managed regulatory and policy issues at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), particularly airmen certification, aircraft certification, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Justin served on the Drone Advisory Subcommittee, the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team, and co-chaired the 26 Coalition for UAS Safety, which brought over 20 aviation associations together to collaborate on safe UAS integration. While at AOPA, Justin also handled a number of airport compliance issues under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. Justin began his career practicing law in California, defending aircraft part manufacturers, pilots, mechanics, airports, and others in over a dozen fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft accidents across the country. He is also an avid writer, having authored a book on aviation legislative history and articles involving federal preemption of aircraft product liability and the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Justin is an instrument-rated commercial pilot. He is a native of Southern California, but currently resides in Washington, D.C. He also loves to travel, especially visiting national parks around the country.