John Ostrom
Trainer
John Ostrom concluded more than 37 years at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in 2023, where he retired as the Assistant Director of Integrated Operations. In his leadership role with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), he directed design and development of MSP’s Integrated Operations Center (North STAR Center) and managed the Airside Operations Department, ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 139 while advancing operational safety, efficiency, and collaboration. His career contributions included developing MSP’s award-winning Wildlife Hazard Management Program, pioneering the Airport Drivers’ Training Program, and leading the creation of the MSP Winter Operations Playbook, Tarmac Delay Contingency Plan, and Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS). He also established the Runway Incursion Review Board and advanced human factors and root cause analysis programs that influenced industry standards.
After leaving MSP in 2023, John began working with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), where he has developed Part 139 training courses and continues to instruct in AAAE’s Basic and Advanced Airport Safety and Operations Specialist (ASOS) courses. He also created and delivered a month-long airport operations training program for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, helping to build technical skills and industry knowledge among new operations professionals.
John is a Certified Member of AAAE and has served as Chair of the Airport Training Committee, Chair of Bird Strike Committee USA (BSC USA), and Chair of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee (NWSAC). His expertise has contributed to FAA/ACRP research projects, national wildlife hazard management policy, and global safety practices. He is also a recognized aviation educator and speaker, having designed and instructed training courses for AAAE, Bird Strike Committee USA, and MSP’s Part 139 Boot Camp. John has also presented at ICAO/ACI symposia, AAAE conferences, Bird Strike North America, and before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation Infrastructure.
John holds an MBA in Management from the University of St. Thomas, a BA in Psychology with a minor in Mathematics from Winona State University, and pursued studies in Human Factors Engineering/Ergonomics at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His achievements have been recognized with awards including the FAA Sandy Wright/Richard Dolbeer Excellence in Strike Reporting Award, FAA Great Lakes Region Partnership Award, FAA Safety Team Aviation Safety Award, and a USDA Certificate of Appreciation.
