Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025 
Robert A. Duncan is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Aviation Law. Bob practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana
Best Lawyers has recognized Bob Duncan since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Bob is held by other lawyers.
In 2011, Bob Duncan was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mitch Daniels. He was also named Aviation Indiana’s Person of the Year in 1996. In 2023 Bob was inducted into the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame. On January 6, 2025, Bob was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Commissioner on the State Ethics Commission.
Bob initially joined Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP in July 2011, following 38 years of service to the Indianapolis Airport Authority in the roles of general counsel, airport director and special advisor to the CEO, successively. In March 2012, the Indianapolis Airport Authority recalled Bob to serve as executive director, a position he held until December 2014. He is an accredited airport executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. These experiences uniquely position Bob to handle a wide range of aviation, business and real estate areas.
Bob frequently lectured on aviation and airport legal matters at American Association of Airport Executives specialty conferences, at Federal Aviation Administration safety seminars, at Purdue University aviation classes, and at various continuing legal education seminars. Bob is a former adjunct professor of law at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law where he taught aviation law. Bob serves as a moot court judge at the school from time to time.
As an active pilot, Bob holds Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor Certificates for single and multi-engine aircraft and has more than 8,300 hours of flight experience. Bob has served as Chief Flight Instructor at several Indianapolis area flight training facilities and for 34 years served as an FAA designated pilot examiner which authorized him to test and issue appropriate pilot certificates and ratings. The FAA awarded Bob with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of accident-free flying. He currently serves as a director and legislative chairperson for Aviation Indiana. He is also a board member of the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame.
