Lieutenant/CHIEF PILOT Peter S. Onorato
NORTHERN COMMAND

Lieutenant/Chief Pilot Peter Onorato joined the Nevada Highway Patrol in 1984.

Prior to promotion to Chief Pilot, Lt. Onorato served as a traffic officer in Wells, a motorcycle officer in Las Vegas, Personnel Sergeant in Headquarters, District Commander of the Tonopah District and Commander of the Office of Professional Responsibility.

He began his flying career with the Nevada Highway Patrol in 1985 in Wells when first certified as an airborne traffic observer. He has been piloting NHP planes since 1995 and became a full time pilot in 1998. Lt. Onorato has accumulated over 6000 flight hours in small aircraft. In addition to managing the flight operations unit, Lt. Onorato pilots the Northern Command's Cessna 210 Centurion. He holds a Commercial pilot certificate for single engine land and sea planes. He is instrument rated and is an FAA Certified Flight Instructor.

Wife Dianne Onorato is a computer programmer with the DPS and son Gavin is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps.