Earl L. Lawrence

Earl Lawrence is an Aviation Policy Lead for Advanced Projects at Joby. He undertook this role when Joby acquired Xwing. Before Xwing, Lawrence spent nearly 12 years at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), holding several leadership positions. Known primarily for his role as the FAA’s Executive Director of Aircraft Certification, Lawrence oversaw over 1,400 employees working across FAA Headquarters, 35 U.S. field offices, and two international offices. Before his work in aircraft certification, Lawrence was the Executive Director of the UAS Integration Office, responsible for facilitating all regulations, policies, and procedures required to support the safe integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System. Lawrence played a fundamental role in establishing, leading, and operationalizing the new UAS organization. Earl also served as the FAA’s Small Airplane Directorate Manager.

Before joining the FAA, Lawrence was the Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Lawrence got his start in aviation by working for Rockwell Rocketdyne as a rocket engine mechanic and later as a manufacturing engineer at the International Space Station.

A pilot since 1987, Lawrence holds a commercial multi-engine pilot certificate and an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate with an Inspection Authorization. He currently owns and flies a Piper Twin Comanche.

Education: Northrop University with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Technology.