The Burleson Group LTD
Turning Aviation Challenges into Strategic Advantage
About Us
The Burleson Group LTD is a strategic consulting partnership with decades of knowledge and experience dealing with federal, state, and international aviation organizations and issues. We are well situated, given our work experience and relationships, to offer clients prudent guidance on complex issues and challenging questions to accomplish their aviation business goals.
Our Services
Our services include consulting and advocacy in the areas of: regulatory compliance; airport issues; aviation operations and certification; environmental standards and policy; aviation security; aviation insurance; new entrants (UAS and EVTOLs); foreign civil aviation authorities; and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Team
Turning Aviation Challenges into Strategic Advantage
Carl Burleson
Burleson Aero LLC
Carl Burleson, founder of Burleson Aero Consulting LLC, enjoyed an over 30-year career at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He served as Acting FAA Deputy Administrator and senior advisor to the FAA Administrator before his retirement in 2020. He held a number of other positions including Deputy Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment; Director of the Office of Environment and Energy; the FAA Administrator's Chief of Staff; and the FAA's Senior Representative for Northern Europe. Carl's dedication to excellence, innovative thinking applied to problem solving and all around expertise and knowledge has been honored with several awards including: a finalist in the Public Service to America Awards; the Office of the Secretary’s International Aviation and Safety Award; and the 2019 recipient of the Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence.
Wayne Heibeck
SkyW Aviation Strategies LLC
Wayne Heibeck, founder of SkyW Aviation Strategies LLC, recently retired after nearly 30 years of shaping airport compliance, infrastructure modernization, and aviation policy at the FAA. His leadership spanned pivotal roles—including Acting Associate and Deputy Associate Administrator for Airports—where he oversaw safety and efficiency across 3,300+ public-use airports and managed billions in federal grants. Wayne’s career also included field leadership as the manager of an FAA Airport District Office, agency-wide policy coordination, and international engagement. Wayne’s appointment as Chief of Staff to the FAA Deputy Administrator in 2023 underscored his trusted leadership in navigating complex political, budgetary, and operational challenges. Throughout his FAA tenure, Wayne received multiple honors for his service and leadership recognizing his impact on aviation safety and strategic modernization, including Secretary of Transportation and FAA Administrator’s Awards and commendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Aviation Council, Philadelphia International Airport, and United States Parachute Association.
Lorelei Peter
LDP Consulting LLC
Lorelei Peter, founder of LDP Consulting LLC, also recently retired from the FAA after 35 years in the Office of the Chief Counsel. She most recently served as the Principal Deputy Chief Counsel for Strategic Operations, providing direct supervision for several legal divisions supporting the National Airspace System (Regulations, Legislation, Aviation Litigation, and International and National Security Law). Lorelei provided legal coordination on major cross-agency and Congressional initiatives, including commercial space launch and drone activities, FAA reauthorization, and the agency’s regulatory portfolio. Additionally, she directed legal strategy for integrating new entrants, including advanced air mobility and UAS operations, focusing on defensibility, innovation and safety. She has extensive experience in the regulatory environment, including the drafting and interpreting of regulations and legislation, identifying and mitigating legal risk, and working with cross-functional agency offices on high-profile projects. Lorelei has a J.D. and B.B.A. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is a member of the Missouri Bar.
Get in Touch
The Burleson Group LTD is well positioned to guide clients through the complex processes and challenges in dealing with federal, state, local and international organizations involved in aviation and aerospace.