SUBJECT: STUDY OF UFOs FILE: UFO2890
AIR FORCE REGULATION 80-17.
Replaced AFR 200-2 in September 1966.
Source: The Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects
Conducted by the University of Colorado
Under Research Contract with the U.S. Air Force
Dr. Edward E.U. Condon, Project Director
"The Condon report"
APPENDIX B.
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AIR FORCE REGULATION 80-17
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
Washington, D.C. 19 September 1966
Research and Development
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO)
This regulation establishes the Air Force program for investigating and
analysing UFOs over the United States. It provides for uniform investigative
procedures and release of information. The investigations and analyses
prescribed are related directly to the Air Force's responsibility for the air
defence 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.
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SECTION A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Paragraph
Explanation of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Program Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Program Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SECTION B - PUBLIC RELATIONS, INFORMATION,
CONTACTS, AND RELEASES
Response to Public Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Releasing Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SECTION C - PREPARING AND SUBMITTING REPORTS
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Guidance in Preparing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Transmittal of Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Negative or Inapplicable Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Comments of Investigating Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Basic Reporting Data and Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reporting Physical Evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Explanation of Terms. To insure proper and uniform usage of terms in UFO
investigations, 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 Known Objects/Phenomena. Aircraft, aircraft lights,
astronomical bodies (meteors, planets, stars, comets, sun, moon),
balloons, birds fireworks, missiles, rockets, satellites, weather
phenomena
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This Regulation supersedes AFR 200-2, 20 July 1962
OPR: AFRSTA
DISTRIBUTION: S
(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 and technical data gained from study of UFO reports. To attain
these objectives, it is necessary to explain or identify the stimulus which
caused the observer to report his observation as an unidentified flying
object.
a. Air Defence. The majority of UFOs reported to the Air Force have
been conventional or familiar objects which pose no threat to our
security.
(1) It may be possible that foreign countries may develop flying
vehicles of revolutionary configuration or propulsion.
(2) Frequently, some alleged UFOs are determined to be aircraft. Air
Defence Command (ADC) is responsible for identification of
aircraft. Except as aircraft are determined 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 analyse 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 factors 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 explained all but a small percentage of the sightings which
have been reported to the Air Force. The ones that have not been
explained are carried statistically as "unidentified." Because of
the human factors involved and because of analysis of a UFO
sightings depends on a personal interpretation by the observer
rather than on scientific data or facts obtained under controlled
conditions, the elimination of all unidentifieds is improbable.
However, if more immediate, detailed and objective data on the
unidentifieds that have 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 responsible for the overall program, evaluation of investigative
procedures, and the conduct of separate scientific investigations.
b. Resources. The Air Force Systems Command will support the program with
current resources within the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to continue 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
investigative capability. When notice of a UFO sighting is received,
an investigation will be implemented to determine if the stimulus for
the sighting. An Air Force base receiving the notice of a UFO sighting
may not be 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
or with the help of pertinent Air Force activities, may conduct any
other investigation to conclude its analysis or findings. HQ USAF may
arrange for separate investigations.
d. Analysis. FTD will:
(1) Analyze and evaluate all information 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 evaluating UFO
reports as necessary.
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 report of its findings to AFSC (SFCA), Andrews AFB, Wash
D.C. 20331, which will send a report to HQ USAF (AFRDC), Wash D.C.
20330.
f. Cooperation. All AIr Force activities will cooperate with UFO
investigators to insure that pertinent information relative to
investigations of UFO are promptly obtained. When feasible, this will
include furnishing air or ground transportation and other assistance.
SECTION B - PUBLIC RELATIONS, INFORMATION, CONTACTS, AND RELEASES
4. Response to Public Interest. The Secretary of the Air Force, Office of
Information (SAF-OI), maintains contact with the public and the news media on
all aspects of the UFO program and related activities. Private individuals
or organizationsdesiring Air Force interviews, briefings or lectures, or
private discussions on UFOs will be instructed 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 mislead or cause the public to construe these opinions as
official Air Force findings.
5. Releasing Information. SAF-OI is the agency responsible for releasing
information to the public and to the news media.
a. Congressional and Presidential Inquiries. The Office of Legislative
Liaison will:
(1) With th assistance of SAF-OI, answer all Congressional and
Presidential queries regarding UFOs forwarded to the Air Force.
(2) Process requests from Congressional 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 sightings and results of
investigations to the general 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 inquiries regarding UFOs reported in
the vicinity of an Air Force Base, the base commander 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 conclusions will be released by
SAF-OI after the investigation is completed. The commander may also
state that the Air force will review and analyze the results of the
investigation. 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 directed immediate interest in UFOs reported within the US.
All Air Force activities will conduct UFO investigations to the extent
necessary for reporting action (see paragraphs 9, 10, 11, and 12).
Investigation may be carried beyond this point when the preparing
officer believes the scientific or public relations aspect of the case
warrants further investigation. In this case, the investigator will
coordinate his investigation with FTD.
b. Paragraph 7 will be used as a guide for screenings and reportings.
Paragraph 11 is an outline of the reporting format.
c. Inquiries should be directed 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 control symbol in accordance with paragraph 3k, AFR 300-5.
7. Guidance in Preparing Reports. The usefulness of a UFO report depends
largely on accuracy, timeliness, skill and resourcefulness of the person who
receives the initial information and makes the report. Following 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 concerns a valid
UFO as defined in paragraph 1a. reports not falling within that
definition do not require further action. Aircraft flares, jet
exhausts, condensation trails, blinking or steady lights observed at
night, lights circling near airport and airways, and other aircraft
phenomena should not be reported as they do not fall within the
definition 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 contacted the Air Force. (Do NOT solicit reports.)
News releases should be included as an attachment with the report (see
paragraph 8c)
b. detailed study will be made of the logic, consistency, and authenticity
of the observer's report. An interview with the observer by persons
preparing the report, is especially valuable in determining the
reliability of the source and the validity of the information. Factors
for particular attention are the observer's age, occupation, and
education, and whether he has a technical or scientific background. A
report that a witness is completely familiar with certain aspects of a
sighting should indicate specific qualifications to substantiate such
familiarity.
c. The following procedures will assist the investigation officer in
completing the report and arriving at conclusion as required in
paragraph 11.
(1) When feasible, contact local aircraft control and warning (ACW)
units, and pilots and crews of aircraft aloft at the time and place
of the sighting. Contact any persons or organizations that may
have additional data on the UFO or can verify evidence - visual,
electronic, or other.
(2) Consult military or civilian weather forecasters for data on tracks
of weather balloons ar any unusual meteorological activity that may
have a bearing on the stimulus for the UFO.
(3) Consult navigators and astronomers in the area to determine if any
astronomical 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 an
aircraft. Local units of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) can be
of assistance in this regard.
(5) Consult persons who may know of experimental aircraft of unusual
configuration, rocket and guided missile firings, or aerial tests
in the area.
(6) Consult local and State police, county sherifs, forest rangers,
and other civil officials who may have been in the ara at the time
of the sighting or have knowledge of other witnesses.
8. Transmittal of Reports:
a. Timeliness. report all information on UFO's promptly. Electrical
transmission with a "Priority" precedence is authorized.
b. Submission of Reports. Submit multiple-addressed electrical reports
to:
(1) ADC
(2) Nearest Air Division (Defence)
(3) FTD WPAFB. (First line of Text: FOR TDETR.)
(4) CASF. (First line of Text: FOR AFRDC.)
(5) OSAF. (First line of Text: FOR SAF-OI)
c. Written Reports. In the event that follow-up action requires a letter
report, send it to FTD TDETR, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, 45433. FTD
will send the reports to interested organizations in the US and to
SAF-OI if required.
d. Reports from Civilians. Advise civilians to report UFOs to the
nearest Air Force Base.
e. Negative or Inapplicable Data. If specific information is lacking,
refrain from using the words "negative" or "unidentified" unless all
logical leads to obtain the information outlined in paragraph 11 have
been exhausted. For example, the information on weather conditions in
the area, as requested in paragraph 11g, 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 ann initial
analysis and comment 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 officer who receives the initial report is in a better position
to conduct an on-the-spot- survey and follow-up than subsequent
investigative personnel and analysts who may be far removed from the area and
who may arrive too late to obtain vital data or information necessary for
firm conclusions. The investigating officer's comments and conclusions will
be in the last paragraph of the report submitted through channels. The
reporting official will contact FTD (Area Code 513,257-0916 ot 257-6678) for
verbal authority to continue investigations.
11. Basic Reporting Data and Format. Show the abbreviation "UFO" at the
beginning of the text of all electrical reports and in the subject of any
follow-up written reports. Include required data in all electrical reports,
in the order shown below:
a. Description of the Objects(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 size.
(8) Sound.
(9) Other pertinent or unusual features.
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 theodolite or compass measurement if possible.)
(3) Angle of elevation of object(s) upon disappearance. (Use
theodolite or compass measurement if possible.)
(4) 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) visible? (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 electronic,
specify type of radar.)
(2) Statement as to optical aids (telescopes, binoculars, etc.) used
and description thereof.
(3) If the sighting occurred while airborne, give type of aircraft,
identification number, altitude, heading, speed, and home station.
d. Time and Date of Sighting:
(1) Greenwich date-time group of sighting 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 reference to a known landmark in addition to the
coordinates. For example, use "2 mi N of Deeville"; "3 mi SW of Blue
Lake," to preclude errors due to teletype garbling of figures.
f. Identifying Information on Observer(s):
(1) Civilian - Name, age, mailing address, occupation, education and
estimate of reliability.
(2) Military - Name, grade, organization, duty, and estimate of
reliability.
g. Weather and Winds-Aloft Conditions at Time and Place of Sighting:
(1) Observer(s) account of weather conditions.
(2) Report from nearest AWS or US Weather Bureau Office of wind
direction and velocity in degrees and knots at surface, 6000',
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 quadrant in which located.
(7) vertical temperature gradient.
h. Any other unusual activity or condition, meteorological, astronomical,
or otherwise that might account for the sighting.
i. Interception or identification action taken (such action is authorized
whenever feasible and in compliance with existing air defence
directives).
j. Location, approximate altitude, and general direction of flight of any
air traffic or balloon releases in the area that might account for the
sighting.
k. Position title and comments of the preparing officer, including his
preliminary analysis of the possible cause of the sighting(s). (See
paragraph 10.)
12. Reporting Physical Evidence:
a. Photographic:
(1) Still Pictures: Forward the original negative to FTD (TDETR),
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, and indicate the place, time, and
date the photograph was taken.
(2) Motion Pictures. Obtain the ORIGINAL 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 official sources.
(3) Supplemental Photographic Information. Negatives and prints often
are insufficient 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 lens.
(c) Brand and type of film.
(d) Shutter speed used.
(e) Lens opening used; that is "f" stop.
(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 supplemental data is unobtainable, the
minimum 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 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 addresses.
b. Material. Air Force echelons receiving suspected or actual UFO
material will safeguard it to prevent any defacing or alterations which
might reduce its value for intelligence examination and analysis.
c. Photographs, Motion pictures, and Negatives Submitted by Individuals.
Individuals often submit photographic and motion picture material as
part of their UFO reports. All original material submitted will be
returned to the individual after completion of necessary studies,
analysis, and duplication by the Air Force.
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
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CHANGE AFR 80-17
AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
NO. AFR 80-17A Washington, 9 November 1966
Research and Development
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO)
AFR 80-17, 19 September 1966,is changed as follows:
3c. EXCEPTIONS: FTD at Wright-Patterson ... for separate investigations.
The University 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 independently 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 Investigating 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 fcators 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 CO 80302, Dr. Condon. (Mail copy of
message form.)
8c. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Renumber as paragraph 9.
11k. Position title, name, rank, and official address, telephone area code,
office and home phone, and comments of the preparing officer, including
his preliminary analysis of the possible 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
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CHANGE 1, AFR 80-17
AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
NO. AFR 80-17 (C1) Washington, 26 October 1968
Research and Development
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO)
AFR 80-17, 19 September 1966,is changed as follows:
*3c. Investigation. Each commander of an Air Force base within the United
States will provide a UFO ... sighting for action.
3c. EXCEPTIONS: FTD at Wright-Patterson ... for separate investigations.
The University of Colorado, under a research agreement with the Air Force,
will conduct a study of UFOs. This program (to run approximately 15 months)
will be conducted independently 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 Investigating 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.
*6a. The Deputy Chief of Staff. ... reported within the United States. All
Air Force activities within the United States will conduct UFO ...
investigations with FTD.
8b(6). University of Colorado, Boulder CO 80302, Dr. Condon. (Mail copy of
message form.)
*8c. Reports. If follow up action is required on electrically transmitted
reports, prepare an investigative report on AF Form 117, "Sighting of
Unidentified Phenomena Questionnaire," which will be reproduced locally on 8"
x 10 1/2" paper in accordance with attachment 1 (9pages). Send the completed
investigative report to FTD (TDETR), Wright-patterson AFB OH 45433. FTD
will send the reports to interested organizations in the United States and to
the Secretary of the Air Force (SAFOI), Wash DC 20330, if required.
8c. Negative or Inapplicable Data. Renumber as paragraph 9.
11k. Position title, name, rank, and official address, telephone area code,
office and home telephone, and comments of the preparing officer, including
his preliminary analysis of the possible cause of the sighting. (See
paragraph 10.)
By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force
Official J.P. McCONNELL, General USAF
Chief of Staff
R.J. PUGH, Colonel, USAF 1 Attachment
Director of Administrative Services AF Form 117, "Sighting of Un-
identified Phenomena Question-
naire"
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This regulation supersedes AFR 80-17A, 8 November 1966.
OPR: AFRDDG
DISTRIBUTION: S
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>>> AIR FORCE FORM 117 "Sighting of Unidentified Phenomena Questionnaire"
IS NOT REPRODUCED HERE <<<
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CHANGE 2, AFR 80-17
AIR FORCE REGULATION DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
NO. AFR 80-17 (C2) Washington, 30 September 1968
Research and Development
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS (UFO)
AFR 80-17, 19 September 1966, and change 1, 26 October 1967, are changed as
follows:
8b(3). FTD WPAFP. (first line of text: FOR TDPT (UFO).)
8B(6). Delete.
By Order of the Secretary of the Air Force
Official J.P. McCONNELL, General USAF
Chief of Staff
R.J. PUGH, Colonel, USAF
Director of Administrative Services
DISTRIBUTION: S
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