Published on April 29, 2024
Introduction
For decades, pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation personnel have reported encounters with unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) - objects or devices exhibiting characteristics that defy simple explanations. These incidents, often involving objects moving at incredible speeds, performing maneuvers beyond the capabilities of known aircraft, or appearing to defy the laws of physics, have raised serious concerns among aviation professionals and national security experts alike.
The nature and origins of these phenomena remain unclear, but their potential impacts on aviation safety and national security cannot be ignored. Encounters with UAP have the potential to disrupt flight operations, cause near-misses or collisions, and create confusion and uncertainty among pilots and air traffic controllers. Moreover, the possibility that some UAP may represent advanced technologies of unknown origin raises significant national security concerns, particularly if such technologies are in the hands of foreign adversaries.
Despite the clear risks posed by UAP, the United States has historically lacked a comprehensive, standardized system for reporting, investigating, and analyzing these incidents. Pilots and other aviation personnel have often been reluctant to report UAP encounters due to fear of stigma, ridicule, or professional repercussions. The lack of clear reporting channels and protocols has led to a fragmented and incomplete picture of the scale and nature of the UAP phenomenon, hindering efforts to understand and mitigate the risks they pose.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this critical issue, Representatives Robert Garcia and Glenn Grothman, in collaboration with Americans for Safe Aerospace, a pilot-led nonprofit organization, have introduced the Safe Airspace for Americans Act (H.R. 6967). This groundbreaking legislation aims to establish a robust, standardized framework for the reporting, investigation, and analysis of UAP incidents, ensuring that the United States is equipped to confront the challenges posed by these mysterious phenomena.
The Safe Airspace for Americans Act would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop and implement clear procedures for the uniform reporting and investigation of UAP sightings by both civilian and military aviation personnel. The Act would establish a centralized database for the collection and analysis of UAP incident reports, enabling the FAA and other relevant agencies to identify patterns, assess risks, and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
Furthermore, the legislation would mandate the preservation of all data related to UAP incidents, including radar logs, audio recordings, and other relevant materials, ensuring that vital evidence is not lost or destroyed. The Act would also require the FAA to work closely with other government agencies, including the Department of Defense, NASA, and the intelligence community, to facilitate the sharing of information and expertise related to UAP.
By establishing a clear, comprehensive framework for addressing UAP incidents, the Safe Airspace for Americans Act represents a crucial step forward in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. airspace. The legislation would provide aviation professionals with the tools and support they need to report and investigate UAP encounters without fear of reprisal, while also fostering greater public trust and transparency around this critical issue.
As we explore the various aspects of the Safe Airspace for Americans Act throughout this briefing packet, it is essential to keep in mind the profound implications of this legislation for the future of aviation safety and national security. By confronting the challenges posed by UAP head-on, we have an opportunity to not only mitigate the risks they pose but also to unlock new frontiers of scientific understanding and technological advancement. The time has come for the United States to take a leadership role in addressing the UAP phenomenon, and the Safe Airspace for Americans Act is a vital first step in that direction.
2023 Sworn Oath Testimony: Safety of Flight Issue
On July 26th, 2023, the Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, part of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, convened a historic hearing on UAP. This landmark event featured compelling testimonies from former Navy pilots David Fravor and Ryan Graves, as well as Air Force veteran and intelligence officer David Grusch. Their accounts shed light on the profound impact of UAP on aviation safety and national security, underscoring the urgent need for greater transparency and action.
Ryan Graves, a former F-18 pilot with a decade of service in the U.S. Navy, shared his firsthand experiences with UAP and voiced the concerns of more than 30 commercial aircrew and military veterans who have confided in him about similar encounters. Graves emphasized that UAP sightings are not rare or isolated incidents but rather routine occurrences that pose a serious risk to flight safety.
In his opening statement, Graves described a chilling near-miss incident involving two F-18 Super Hornets and a UAP, stating, "The object, described as a dark gray or a black cube inside of a clear sphere, came within 50 feet of the lead aircraft and was estimated to be five to 15 feet in diameter. The mission commander terminated the flight immediately and returned to base."
Lt. Ryan Graves, USN (Ret.), F/A-18F Pilot, gives opening statement to House Oversight Hearing on UAP
C-SPAN - July 26, 2023
Notably, Graves testified that “Pilots are reporting UAP at altitudes that appear above them at 40,000 feet, potentially in low Earth orbit or in the gray zone below the Karman line, making inexplainable maneuvers like right-hand turns and retrograde orbits, or J hooks. Sometimes these reports are reoccurring with numerous recent sightings north of Hawaii and in the North Atlantic. Other veterans are also coming forward to us regarding UAP encounters in our airspace and oceans. The most compelling involve observations of UAP by multiple witnesses and sensor systems. I believe these accounts are only scratching the surface and more will share their experiences once it is safe to do so.”
Graves also highlighted the challenges faced by pilots who report UAP encounters, noting that the stigma attached to the topic silences many witnesses and hinders the collection of vital data. He called for a concerted effort to address the safety and security issues represented by UAP, stating, "I urge us to put aside stigma and address the security and safety issue this topic represents. If UAP are foreign drones, is an urgent national security problem. If it is something else, it is an issue for science. In either case, unidentified objects are a concern for flight safety."
Commander David Fravor, a retired U.S. Navy pilot, recounted his own extraordinary encounter with a UAP during a training mission off the coast of California in 2004. Fravor and his wingman observed a white, Tic Tac-shaped object moving erratically over the water, defying known aerodynamic principles. As Fravor attempted to intercept the object, it rapidly accelerated and disappeared, only to reappear 60 miles away within a matter of seconds.
Cmdr. David Fravor, USN (Ret.), F/A-18 Pilot, gives opening statement to House Oversight Hearing on UAP
C-SPAN - July 26, 2023
Fravor expressed his astonishment at the capabilities displayed by the UAP, stating, "The Tic Tac object we engaged in 2004 was far superior to anything that we had on time, have today, or looking to develop in the next 10 years." He also emphasized the need for proper oversight and investigation of UAP incidents, noting that his encounter was never officially investigated, and the radar tapes documenting the event have since disappeared.
Fravor also noted in his opening statement, “This issue is not a full public disclosure that can undermine national security, but it is about ensuring that our system of checks and balances works across all work done in the government using taxpayer funds. Relative to government programs, even unacknowledged waived programs have some level of oversight by the appropriate committee members in the House and Senate and this work that is said to be occurring from whistleblower testimonies should not be exempt."
The testimonies of Graves and Fravor paint a disturbing picture of the challenges faced by pilots and the inadequacies of current reporting and investigation procedures. Their accounts underscore the urgent need for a standardized, comprehensive approach to UAP incidents, as proposed by the Safe Airspace for Americans Act.
By providing a platform for these brave witnesses to share their experiences, the congressional hearing has helped to raise public awareness and build momentum for legislative action. The firsthand accounts of Graves, Fravor, and other pilots serve as a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of UAP encounters and the importance of addressing this issue head-on.
As we move forward in our efforts to ensure the safety and security of U.S. airspace, the testimonies of these experienced aviators will continue to serve as a crucial foundation for the development of effective policies and procedures. The Safe Airspace for Americans Act represents a vital step in this process, providing a framework for the standardized reporting, investigation, and analysis of UAP incidents, and helping to break down the barriers of stigma and secrecy that have hindered progress for far too long.
Highlighting the Problem
The urgent need for comprehensive UAP reporting and investigation procedures, as outlined in the Safe Airspace for Americans Act, is underscored by a series of recent revelations and incidents that highlight the inadequacies of the current system.
One of the most striking examples of the potential risks posed by UAP comes from a harrowing near-miss incident described by Ryan Graves during the 2023 Congressional hearing. Graves recounted how two F-18 Super Hornets were "split" by a UAP, described as a "dark gray or black cube inside of a clear sphere," which came within a mere 50 feet of the lead aircraft. This chilling encounter, which forced the mission commander to abort the flight and return to base, serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers posed by UAP to aviation safety.
Lt. Ryan Graves, USN (Ret.), F/A-18F Pilot, speaking about near mid-air collision during the 2023 UAP Hearing
CBS News - July 26, 2023
The gravity of this incident is further compounded by the revelation that, despite submitting a safety report, Graves and his squadron received no official acknowledgment or further guidance on reporting the encounter. This lack of a standardized, responsive reporting mechanism left the pilots with no choice but to incorporate UAP risks into their regular preflight briefings, a makeshift solution that highlights the glaring inadequacies of the current system.
Another example of the troubling lack of oversight and communication regarding UAP incidents is the mysterious email sent by the United States Fleet Forces operations officer to Timothy Gallaudet, the former Rear Admiral and Deputy Administrator of NOAA, and other high-ranking officials concerning the GOFAST UAP video and its potential impact on flight safety.
In the email, titled "Urgent Safety of Flight Issue," the operations officer attached the GOFAST video and asked recipients, including Gallaudet, if they knew what the object was, stating that they were experiencing numerous near midair collisions and might have to shut down the exercise if the issue persisted. Gallaudet, who worked with intelligence community programs, immediately knew that the technology in the video was not from the U.S. military, as they would not use such advanced technology in training ranges.
Shockingly, the next day, the email was mysteriously wiped from Gallaudet's computer and the computers of all other recipients. Despite the serious safety of flight concern raised in the email, the issue was never discussed again, even during monthly meetings attended by Gallaudet, the operations officer who sent the email, and other commanders.
This incident highlights not only the lack of proper communication and investigation regarding UAP incidents but also the potential for critical information to be inexplicably removed or ignored by the relevant agencies. The fact that such a serious safety concern was raised by a high-ranking official and then seemingly swept under the rug is deeply troubling and underscores the need for a more transparent and accountable system for handling UAP reports.
Rear Adm. Timothy Gallaudet, USN (Ret.), Former Acting Administrator of NOAA, discusses GOFAST UAP video
Merged Podcast - September 28, 2023
The problem of inadequate UAP reporting and investigation procedures has not gone unnoticed by the scientific and aviation communities. Organizations such as the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena (NARCAP) have been working to raise awareness of the issue and develop standardized reporting protocols.
NARCAP's efforts, as exemplified by the research paper co-authored by Ted Roe, Ryan Graves, Martin Snow, John M. Platte, and John-Michael Gutierrez, underscore the growing consensus among experts that a more robust, scientifically rigorous approach to UAP investigations is needed to ensure the safety of our skies.
Similarly, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has established the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Integration and Outreach Committee (UAPIOC) to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise related to UAP and to promote a more proactive, science-based approach to the issue.
The work of organizations like NARCAP and the AIAA UAPIOC highlights the growing recognition within the aviation and scientific communities that the current approach to UAP is insufficient and that a more comprehensive, collaborative effort is needed to address the problem.
Another critical aspect of the problem is the limited engagement and transparency demonstrated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in handling UAP incidents. During a NASA UAPIST meeting on May 31st, 2023, Mike Freie, representing the FAA Air Traffic Services Office, disclosed that the agency typically receives a meager three to five UAP reports per month, with occasional spikes tied to external events such as Starlink launches or the Chinese balloon incident.
Mike Freie, representing the FAA Air Traffic Services Office at NASA UAPIST meeting
NASA - May 31, 2023
Freie's revelation paints a troubling picture of an agency ill-equipped to handle the true scale and complexity of the UAP phenomenon. The sporadic and reactive nature of the FAA's current approach to UAP reporting suggests a systemic lack of preparedness and an inability to proactively identify and investigate potential threats to aviation safety.
This lack of a robust, proactive reporting mechanism is further underscored by the influx of new UAP reports that have emerged in the wake of the 2023 Congressional hearing. As Ryan Graves has indicated, his organization, Americans for Safe Aerospace, has seen a surge in pilots coming forward to share their experiences since the hearing, highlighting the urgent need for a secure and standardized reporting channel.
Lt. Ryan Graves, USN (Ret.), F/A-18F Pilot, speaks on increase in pilot reports in the wake of House Oversight Hearing on UAP
NewsNation - July 30, 2023
Lt. Ryan Graves, USN (Ret.), F/A-18F Pilot explains pilot reports of objects tailing commercial flights over Japan and Kansas
Twitter - January 31, 2024
The current state of affairs, characterized by a patchwork of informal reporting channels and a lack of official acknowledgment and action, is simply untenable in the face of the growing body of evidence surrounding UAP encounters. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals deserve a system that takes their concerns seriously and provides clear, standardized procedures for reporting and investigating these incidents.
Furthermore, the 2021 UAP Preliminary Assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) underscores the potential risks to flight safety posed by UAP, noting that there have been 11 documented instances of near misses between pilots and UAP. This official acknowledgment of the problem, coupled with the compelling firsthand accounts of pilots like Ryan Graves and David Fravor, should serve as a clarion call for immediate action to address the issue.
2021 UAP Preliminary Assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
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The Safe Airspace for Americans Act
Recognizing the urgent need to address the challenges posed by Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) to aviation safety and national security, Representatives Robert Garcia and Glenn Grothman introduced the Safe Airspace for Americans Act (H.R. 6967). This legislation, developed in collaboration with Americans for Safe Aerospace, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the reporting, investigation, and analysis of UAP incidents, ensuring that the United States is equipped to confront this complex issue head-on.
Scope and Objectives
The Safe Airspace for Americans Act outlines several critical objectives aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities and shortcomings in the current approach to UAP:
Standardize Reporting
The Act mandates the development of clear, standardized procedures for civilian and military aviation personnel to report UAP sightings and encounters consistently, including any instances of instrumentation interference or physiological effects experienced by the crew.Centralize Data Collection
To facilitate comprehensive analysis and risk assessment, the legislation calls for the creation of a centralized database for the intake, storage, and integration of all UAP incident reports.Ensure Proper Investigation
The Act requires timely, thorough investigations of all reported UAP incidents, with provisions for the immediate archiving of relevant data such as radar information, air traffic management logs, and communications recordings.Assess Airspace Risks
The FAA will be directed to evaluate the potential threats posed by UAP to the safe operation and security of the national airspace system, enabling the development of appropriate mitigation strategies.Enable Interagency Cooperation
Recognizing the complexity of the UAP issue, the Act seeks to facilitate seamless coordination and information sharing among relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, NASA, NOAA, Department of Energy, and the Intelligence Community.Implement Whistleblower Protections
To encourage the reporting of UAP incidents without fear of reprisal, the legislation prohibits any adverse actions against government employees, contractors, or aviation personnel who report UAP sightings in good faith.Increase Public Awareness
The FAA will be required to develop and implement a strategic communications plan to raise public awareness about UAP, encourage responsible reporting, and dispel the stigma surrounding the topic.
Importance of the Legislation:
The Safe Airspace for Americans Act represents a crucial step forward in addressing the potential risks posed by UAP to aviation safety and national security. By establishing a robust, standardized framework for reporting and investigating UAP incidents, the legislation seeks to fill the gaps in the current system and provide aviation professionals with the tools and support they need to report encounters without fear of stigma or professional repercussions.
The Act's emphasis on interagency cooperation and data sharing is particularly significant, as it recognizes the need for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the UAP issue. By bringing together the expertise and resources of multiple federal agencies, the legislation aims to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the nature and origins of UAP, enabling the development of effective strategies to mitigate any potential threats.
Moreover, the inclusion of whistleblower protections in the Act underscores the importance of creating a culture of transparency and accountability around UAP reporting. By shielding individuals who come forward with UAP sightings from retaliation or adverse consequences, the legislation seeks to break down the barriers of secrecy and stigma that have long hindered progress on this critical issue.
The Safe Airspace for Americans Act also recognizes the vital role of public awareness and engagement in addressing the UAP phenomenon. By directing the FAA to develop a strategic communications plan, the legislation aims to foster a more informed and open dialogue about UAP, helping to dispel misconceptions and encourage responsible reporting by both aviation professionals and the general public.
Ultimately, the Safe Airspace for Americans Act represents a vital step forward in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. airspace in the face of the evolving challenges posed by UAP. By establishing a comprehensive, standardized framework for reporting, investigating, and analyzing UAP incidents, the legislation seeks to provide the tools and resources needed to confront this complex issue head-on, while fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and scientific rigor.