Buddy Sessoms

Buddy Sessoms Vice President of Product & Government Affairs at Piper Aircraft.

Buddy joined Piper Aircraft in 1998 and has held product development positions of increasing responsibility in design, flight sciences, test operations, and certification. As Senior Director and Chief Engineer he was responsible for leading the conceptual design, flight sciences, and test operations for the M600. He is currently responsible for NTSB and FAA relationship as well as the product development strategy and innovation throughout Piper’s business. The application of technology in a manner that improves safety, manufacturability, ease of operation, and customer centered product development is his highest goal. In addition, he continues to provide guidance throughout the engineering process and is an active pilot of Piper’s complete product line.

Prior product development history includes contributions to Pratt & Whitney, Sensenich Propeller, and Eclipse Aviation.

Buddy holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in addition to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He is also a former FAA Designated Engineering Representative and Piper Aircraft ODA Designee.