06/14/2026
sUAS Check Pilot Examiner Evaluation Conducted at New Mexico Military Institute
On May 29, 2026, members of New Mexico Senior Squadron II, including 2nd Lt. Joseph Orona, 2nd Lt. Ken Mashke, Capt. Anthony Torres, and 1st Lt. David Aragon, traveled to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico, to conduct a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Check Pilot Examiner evaluation for 2nd Lt. Orona, New Mexico Wing Director of sUAS Operations.
The evaluation was administered by 1st Lt. Brady Parker of the Roswell Composite Squadron.
2nd Lt. Orona currently holds qualifications as a UAS Technician and UAS Mission Pilot. The Check Pilot Examiner qualification is a key leadership and standardization role within the Civil Air Patrol sUAS program. Members who hold this qualification are responsible for evaluating and certifying Check Pilots and helping ensure training and operational standards are consistently applied throughout the program.
Civil Air Patrol sUAS pilots must adhere to both CAP and Federal Aviation Administration standards for safe and effective operations. Through the qualification process, Check Pilot Examiners help ensure that pilots operate safely, professionally, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
This evaluation reflects Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to maintaining high standards while embracing technologies that expand mission capabilities in service to our communities, state, and nation. As CAP continues to grow its sUAS program, these aircraft provide valuable support during search and rescue missions, disaster relief operations, damage assessment, aerial imaging, and other emergency services activities.
Having qualified Check Pilots, Instructor Pilots, and Check Pilot Examiners helps ensure that CAP sUAS operations remain safe, effective, and mission ready whenever members are called upon to serve.
Submitted by 1st Lt. David Aragon, Assistant Emergency Services Officer, New Mexico Senior Squadron II
