Some examples of an aircraft engine barrier filtration system include an engine barrier filter layer positioned near an aircraft engine intake. The filter layer filters aircraft engine intake air. The system includes a check valve assembly positioned adjacent to the engine barrier filter layer. The check valve assembly permits the engine intake air to flow into the engine through the filter layer during a first aircraft operation mode and to prevent air flow away from the engine through the filter layer during a second aircraft operation mode that is different from the first aircraft operation mode.