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Daron Roche is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner based in West Palm Beach, Florida, who operates primarily out of North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45) and Lantana Airport (KLNA). Authorized under the South Florida Flight Standards District Office, Roche's credentials as an examiner are strictly limited to rotorcraft. He administers private, commercial, instrument, and competency helicopter evaluations, and does not conduct any airplane or fixed-wing checkrides.
Roche's professional background includes serving as the Lead Pilot for the LifeNet 4 medical helicopter transport service in South Carolina. In April 2019, he joined the Broward Sheriff's Office Aviation Unit as an Air Rescue helicopter pilot. In August 2023, Roche was piloting a BSO EC135 T1 rescue helicopter when it suffered a catastrophic in-flight fire and tail rotor separation. He survived the resulting crash in Pompano Beach, and a subsequent NTSB investigation ruled his decision to attempt an emergency return to the airport was entirely reasonable.