Peter “Pete” Bunce learned to fly as a teenager in the skies over Wisconsin. He entered the Air Force in 1979 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and went on to build a distinguished 26-year career flying F-15s and A-10s while commanding several large operational fighter units. In his last two assignments, Bunce worked closely with Congress, providing expertise on matters associated with the annual Defense Appropriations Bills.
Bunce retired from the Air Force as a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours in fighter and training aircraft. He currently holds an FAA commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine airplane and instrument ratings. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Airshows, the Industry Management Council of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and the RTCA Policy Board.
As president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), an international trade association, Bunce helps represent the interests of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers in Washington, D.C., as well as Brussels and Cologne. GAMA also brings together industry leaders to promote understanding of general aviation’s role in strengthening economies.
Bunce holds a master’s degree in international affairs (Troy State University, 1988), and was an International Affairs Fellow (Harvard University,1996-97). He and his wife, Patty, reside in Arlington, Virginia, and have six children.