AFR 80-17 AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE NO. 80-17 Washington. D. C. 19 September 1966 Research And Development UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) This regulation establishes the Air Force program for investigating and analyzing UFOs over the United States. It provides for uniform investigative procedures and release of in- formation. The investigations and analyses prescribed are related directly to the Air Force’s responsibility for the air defense of the United States. The UFO Program requires prompt reporting and rapid evaluation of data for successful identification. Strict compliance with this regulation is mandatory. SECTION A— GENERAL PROVISIONS Explanation of Terms Program Responsibilities SECTION B — PUBLIC RELATIONS. INFORMATION, CONTACTS, AND RELEASES SECTION C— PREPARING AND SUBMITTING REPORTS General Information Guidance in Preparing Reports Transmittal of Report* Negative or Inapplicable Data -- Comments of Investigating Officer Basic Reporting Data and Format Reporting Physical Evidence — 12 SECTION A— GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. Explanation of Terms. To insure proper and uniform usage of terms in UFO investi- gations, reports, and analyses, an explanation of common terms follows: a. Unidentified Flying Objects. Any aerial phenomenon or object which is unknown or appears out of the ordinary to the observer. b. Familiar or Knoum Objects /Phenom- ena. Aircraft, aircraft lights, astronomical bodies (meteors, planets, stars, comets, sun, moon), balloons, birds (i reworks, missiles, rockets, satellites, searchlights, weather phe- nomena (clouds, contrails, dust devils), and other natural phenomena. 2. Program Objectives. Air Force interest in UFOs is two-fold: to determine if the UFO is a possible threat to the United States and to use the scientific or technical data gained from study of UFO reports. To attain these objectives, it is necesssary to explain or iden- tify the stimulus which caused the observer to report his observation as an unidentified flying object. a Air Defense. The majority of UFOs re- ported to the Air Force have been conven- tional or familiar objects which present no threat to our security. (1) It is possible that foreign countries may develop flying vehicles of revolutionary configuration or propulsion. (2) Frequently, some alleged UFOs are determined to be aircraft. Air Defense Com- mand (ADC) is responsible for identification This regulation super, OPR: AFRSTA DISTRIBUTION: S 200-2, 20 July 1962 AFR 80-17 of aircraft. Except as aircraft are deter- mined to be the stimulus for a UFO report, aircraft are not to be reported under the provisions of this regulation. b. Technical and Scientific. The Air Force will analyze reports of UFOs submitted to it to attain the program objectives. In this connection these facts are of importance: (1) The need for further scientific knowledge in geophysics, astronomy, and physics of the upper atmosphere which may be provided by study and analysis of UFOs and similar aerial phenomena. (2) The need to report all pertinent fac- tors that have a direct bearing on scientific analysis and conclusions of UFO sightings. (3) The need and the importance of complete case information. Analysis has ex- plained all blit a small percentage of the sightings which have been reported to the Air Force. The ones that have not been ex- plained are carried statistically as "uniden- tified." Because of the human factors in- volved and because analysis of a UFO sight- ing depends primarily on a personal impres- sion and interpretation by the observer rather than on scientific data or facts ob- tained under controlled conditions, the elimi- nation of of all unidentifieds is improbable. However, if more immediate, detailed, and objective data on the unidentifieds had been available and promptly reported, perhaps these, too, could have been identified. 3. Program Responsibilities: a. Program, Monitor. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, is respon- sible for the overall program, evaluation of investigative procedures, and the conduct of separate scientific investigations. b. Resources. The Air Force Systems Com- mand will support the program with current resources within the Foreign Technology Di- vision (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to continue the Project Blue Book effort. Other AFSC resources normally used by FTD for this effort will continue to be made available. c. Investigation. Each commander of an Air Force base will provide a UFO investi- gative capability. When notice of a UFO sighting is received, an investigation will be implemented to determine the stimulus for the sighting. An Air Force base receiving the notice of a UFO sighting may not lie the base nearest the locale of the sighting. In that event, the reported UFO sighting will be referred to the Air Force base nearest the sighting for action. EXCEPTIONS: FTD at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, independently nr with the help of pertinent Air Force activities, may conduct any other investigation to con- clude its analysis or findings. HQ USAF may arrange for separate investigations. d. Analysis. FTD will: (1) Analyze and evaluate all informa- tion and evidence reported to bases on those UFOs which are not identified at the base level. (2) Use other Government agencies, private industrial companies, and contractor personnel to assist in analyzing and evaluat- ing UFO reports, as necesssary. e. Findings. FTD, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, will prepare a final case report on each sighting reported to it after the data have been properly evaluated. If the final report is deemed significant, FTD will send the re- port of its findings to AFSC (SCFA), An- drews AFB, Wash DC 20331, which will send a report to HQ USAF (AFRDC), Wash DC 20330. f. Cooperation. All Air Force activities will cooperate with UFO investigators to insure that pertinent information relative to investigations of UFO sightings are promptly obtained. When feasible, this will include furnishing air or ground transpor- tation und other assistance. SECTION B— PUBLIC RELATIONS. INFORMATION, CONTACTS, AND RELEASES 4. Response to Public Interest. The Secre- tary of the Air Force, Office of Information (SAF-OI). maintains contact with the pub- lic and the news media on all aspects of the UFO program and related activities. Pri- vate individuals or organizations desiring Air Force interviews, briefings, lectures, or private discussions on UFOs will lie in- structed to direct their requests to SAF-OI. Air Force members not officially connected with UFO investigations covered by this regulation will refrain from any action or comment on UFO reports which may mis- lead or cause the public to construe these opinions as official Air Force findings. 5. Releasing Information. SAF-OI is the agency responsible for releasing informa- tion to the public and to the news mediu. a. Congressional and Presidential In- quiries. The Office of Legislative Liaison will: (1) With the assistance of SAF-OI, an- AFR 80-17 swer all Congressional and Presidential queries regarding UFOs forwarded to the Air Force. (2) Process requests from Congres- sional sources in accordance with AFR 11-7. b. SAF-OI will: (1) Respond to correspondence from individuals requesting information on the UFO Program and evaluations of sightings. (2) Release information on UFO sight- ings and results of investigations to the gen- eral public. (3) Send correspondence queries which are purely technical and scientific to FTD for information on which to base a reply. c. Exceptions. In response to local in- quiries regarding UFOs reported in the vicinity of an Air Force base, the base com- mander may release information to the news media or the public after the sighting has been positively identified. If the stimulus for the sighting is difficult to identify at the base level, the commander may state that the sighting is under investigation and conclu- sions will be released by SAF-OI after the investigation is completed. The commander may also state that the Air Force will re- view and analyze the results of the in- vestigation. Any further inquiries will be directed to SAF-OI. SECTION C— PREPARING AND SUBMITTING REPORTS 6. General Information: a. The Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, USAF and the ADC have a direct and immediate interest in UFOs reported within the US. All Air Force activi- ties will conduct UFO investigations to the extent necessary for reporting action (see paragraphs 9, 10, 11, and 12). Investiga- tion may be carried beyond this point when the preparing officer believes the scientific or public relations aspect of the case war- rants further investigation. In this case, the investigator will coordinate his continued investigation with FTD. b. Paragraph 7 will be used as a guide for screenings, investigations, and reportings. Paragraph 11 is an outline of the reporting format. c. Inquiries should la* referred to SAF- OI (see paragraph 5). d. If possible, an individual selected as a UFO investigator should have a scientific or technical background and experience as an investigator. e. Reports required by this regulation are excluded from assignment of a reports con- trol symbol in accordance with paragraph 3k. AFR 300-5. 7. Guidance in Preparing Reports. The use- fulness of a UFO report depends largely on accuracy, timeliness, skill and resource- fulness of Die person who receives the initial information and makes the report. Follow- ing are aids for screening, evaluating and reporting sightings: a. Activities receiving initial reports of aerial objects and phenomena will screen the information to determine if the report con- cerns u valid UFO as defined in paragraph la. Reports not falling within that defini- tion do not require further action. Aircraft flares, jet exhausts, condensation trails, blinking or steady lights observed at night, lights circling near airports and airways, and other aircraft phenomena should not be re- ported as they do not fall within the defini- tion of a UFO. EXCEPTION: Reports of known objects will be made to FTD when this information originally had been reported by local news media as a UFO and the witness has con- tacted the Air Force, (Do NOT solicit re- ports.) News releases should 1* included as an attachment with the report (see para- graph 8c). b. Detailed study will lie made of the logic, consistency, and authenticity of the observ- er's report An interview with the observer, by persons preparing the report, is espe- cially valuable in determining the reliability of the source and the validity of the infor- mation. Factors for particular attention nre the observer's age. occupation, and educa- tion, and whether he has a technical or scientific background. A report that a wit- ness is completely familiar with certain as- pects of a sighting should indicate specific qualifications to substantiate such famili- c. The following procedures will assist the investigating officer in completing the report and arriving at a conclusion as required in paragraph 11. (1) When feasible, contact local air- craft control and warning (ACW) units, and pilots and crews of aircraft aloft at the time and place of sighting. Contact any per- sons or organizations that may have addi- tional data on the UFO or can verify evi- dence — visual, electronic, or other. (2) Consult military or civilian weather forecasters for data on tracks of weather AFR 80-17 balloons or any unusual meteorological ac- tivity that may have a bearing on the stim- ulus for the UFO. (3) Consult navigators and astrono- mers in the area to determine if any astro- nomical body or phenomenon might account for the sighting. (4) Consult military and civilian tower operators, air operations units, and airlines to determine if the sighting could have been am aircraft. Local units of the Federal Avia- tion Agency (FAA) can be of assistance in this regard. (5) Consult persons who may know of experimental aircraft of unusual configura- tion, rocket and guided missile firings, or aerial tests in the area. (6) Consult local and State police, county sheriffs, forest rangers, and other civil officials who may have been in the area at the time of the sighting or have knowl- edge of other witnesses. 8. Transmittal of Reports: a. Timeliness. Report all information on UFOs promptly. Electrical transmission with a "Priority” precedence is authorized. b. Submission oj Reports. Submit multi- ple-addressed electrical reports to: (1) ADC. ( 2 ) Nearest Air Division (Defense). (3) FTD WPAFB. (First line of text: FOR TDETR.) (4) CSAF. (First line of text: FOR AFR DC.) (15) OSAF. (First line of text: FOR SAF-OI.) c. Written Reports. In the event follow- up action requires a letter report, send it to FTD (TDETR), Wright-Pattcrson AFR, Ohio 45433. FTD will send the reports to in- terested organizations in the US and to SAF-OI if required. d. Reports from Civilians. Advise civil- ians to report UFOs to the nearest Air Force base. e. Negative or Inapplicable Data. If speci- fic information is lacking, refrain from using the words "negative" or "unidentified" un- less all logical leads to obtain the informa- tion outlined in paragraph 11 have been exhausted. For example, the information on weather conditions in the area, as requested in paragraph llg, is obtainable from the local military or civilian weather facility. Use the phrase "not applicable (NA)” only when the question really does not apply to the sighting under investigation. 10. Comments of Investigating Officer. This officer will make an initial analysis and com- ment on the possible cause or identity of the stimulus in a supporting statement. He will make every effort to obtain pertinent items of information and to test all possible leads, clues, and hypotheses. The investigating offi- cer who receives the initial report is in a better position to conduct an on-the-spot sur- vey and follow-up than subsequent investi- gative personnel and analysts who may lie far removed from the area and who may arrive too late to obtain vital data or infor- mation necessary for firm conclusions. The investigating officer's comments and conclu- sions will be in the last paragraph of the report submitted through channels. The re- porting official will contact FTD (Area Code 513, 257-0916 or 257-6678) for verbal au- thority to continue investigations. 11. Basic Reporling Data and Format. Show tlie abbreviation "UFO" at the beginning of the text of all electrical reports and in the subject of any follow-up written reports. In- clude required data in all electrical reports, in the oilier shown below: a. Description of the Object(s): (1) Shape. (2) Size compared to a known object, (3) Color. (4) Number. (5) Formation, if more than one. (6) Any discernible features or details. (7) Tail, trail, or exhaust, including its (8) Sound. ^ (9) Other pertinent or unusual fea- b. Description of Course of Object(s): (1) What first called the attention of observer(s) to the object(s)? (2) Angle of elevation and azimuth of object(s) when first observed. (Use theodo- lite or compass measurement if possible.) (3) Angle of elevation of object(s) upon disappearance. (Use theodolite or compass measurement if possible.) (I) Description of flight path and maneuvers of object(s). (Use elevations and azimuth, not altitude.) (5) How did the object(s) disappear? (instantaneously to the North, for example.) (6) How long were the object(s) visi- ble? (Be specific — 5 minutes, 1 hour, etc.) c. Manner of Observation: (1) Use one or any combination of the following items: Ground-visual, air-visual, ground-electronic, air-electronic. (If elec- tronic, specify type of radar.) (2) Statement as to optical aids (tele- AFR 80-17 scopes, binoculars, etc.) used and descrip- tion thereof. (3) If the sighting occurred while air- borne. give type of aircraft, identification number, altitude, heading, speed, and home station. d. Time and Date of Sighting: ( 1 ) Greenwich date-time group of sight- ing and local time. (2) Light conditions (use one of the following terms: Night, day, dawn. dusk). e. Location of Observer(s). Give exact latitude and longitude coordinates of each observer, and/or geographical position. In electrical reports, give a position with refer- ence to a known landmark in addition to the coordinates. For example, use "2 mi N of Deeville"; "3 mi SW of Blue Lake.” to pre- clude errors due to teletype garbling of fig- f. Identifying Information on Observ- er^): (1) Civilian — Name. age. mailing ad- dress. occupation, education and estimate of reliability. (2) Military — Name, grade, organiza- tion. duty, and estimate of reliability. g. Weather and Wimls-Aloft Conditions at Time and Place of Sightings: (1) Observer(s) account of weather conditions. (2) Report from nearest AWS nr US Weather Bureau Office of wind direction and velocity in degrees and knots at sur- face. 6,000'. 10,000*. 16.000'. 20.000', 30.000', 50.000'. and 80,000'. if available. (3) Ceiling. (4) Visibility. (5) Amount of cloud cover. (6) Thunderstorms in area and quad- rant in which located. (7) Vertical temperature gradient. h. Any other unusual activity or condi- tion, meteorological, astronomical, or other- wise, that might account for the sighting. i. Interception or identification action taken (such action is authorized whenever feusible and in compliance with existing air defense directives). j. Location, approximate altitude, and general direction of flight of any air traffic or balloon releases in the area that might possibly account for the sighting. k. Position title and comments of the pre- paring officer, including his preliminary analysis of the possible cause of the sight- ings (s). (See paragraph 10.) 12. Reporting Physical Evidence: a. Photographic: (1) Still Photographs. Forward the original negative to FTD (TDETR), WrighL Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, and indicate the place, time, and date the photograph was (2) Motion Pictures. Obtain the origi- nal film. Examine the film strip for apparent cuts, alterations, obliterations, or defects. In the report comment on any irregularities, particularly in films received from other than (3) Supplemental Photographic Infor- mation. Negatives and prints often are in- sufficient to provide certain valid data or permit firm conclusions. Information that aids in plotting or in estimating distances, apparent size and nature of object, probable velocity, and movements includes: (a) Type and make of camera. (b) Type, focal length, and make of (c) Brand and type of film. (d) Shutter speed used. (e) Lens opening used; that is, "f" (f) Filters used. (g) Was tripod or solid stand used. (h) Was "panning” used. (i) Exact direction camera was pointing with relation to true North, and its angle with respect to the ground. (4) Other Camera Data. If supplemen- tal information is unobtainable, the mini- mum camera data required are the type of camera, and the smallest and largest "f" stop and shutter speed readings of the camera. (5) Radar. Forward two copies of each still camera photographic print. Title radar- scope photographic prints per AFR 95-7. Classify radarscope photographs per AFR 205-1. NOTE: If possible, develop film before forwarding. Mark undeveloped film clearly to indicate this fact, to avoid destruction by exposure through mail channels to final ad- dressees. b. Material. Air Force echelons receiving suspected or actual UFO material will safe- guard it to prevent any defacing or altera- tions which might reduce its value for in- telligence examination and analysis. c. Photograph*. Motion Pictures, and Neg- atin'* Submitted by Individuals. Individuals often submit photographic and motion pic- ture material as part of their UFO reports. All original material submitted will be re- turned to the individual after completion of necessary studies, analysis, and duplication by the Air Force. AFR 80-17 By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force Official J. P. McCONNELL General, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff R. J. PUGH Colonel, USAF Director of Administrative Services CHANGE AFR 80-1 7 A AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE NO. 80-17A Washington, 8 November 1966 Research and Development UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO) AFR 80-17. 19 September I960, is changed as follows: 3c. EXCEPTIONS: FTD at Wright-Patterson . . . for separate investigations. The Uni- versity of Colorado will, under a research agreement with the Air Force, conduct a study of UFOs. This program (to run approximately 15 months) will be conducted independ- ently and without restrictions. The university will enlist the assistance of other conveniently located institutions that can field investigative teams. All UFO reports will be submitted to the University of Colorado, which will be given the fullest cooperation of all UFO In- vestigating Officers. Every effort will be made to keep all UFO reports unclassified. However, if it is necessary to classify a report because of method of detection or other factors not related to the UFO, a separate report including all possible information will be sent to the University of Colorado. 8b(6). University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80802, ATTN: Dr. Condon. (Mail copy of message form.) 8e. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Renumber as paragraph 9. Ilk. Position title, name, rank, official address telephone area code, office and home phone, and comments of the preparing officer, including his preliminary analysis of the pos- sible cause of the sighting(s). (See paragraph 10.) By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force Official J. p. McCONNELL General. U. S. Air Force Chief of Staff R. J. PUGH Colonel, USAF Director of Administrative Services DISTRIBUTION: S