APRO Bulletin - 1972 03 00 - March-April

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE A.P.R.O. BULLETIN, dated March-April 1972, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO) and features a collection of UFO sighting reports, a book review, and discussions on related topics.

UFO Sightings in Austria

The main cover story details a significant UFO sighting in Austria, compiled by APRO member Alexander Keul. On March 18, 1972, an AUA (Austrian Airlines) DC-9 jet experienced a breakdown in its direction finding system and observed a large, white, funnel-shaped object. Captain Alexander Raab described the object as an inverted hollow cone with a glistening white source of light at the top. The incident was corroborated by other witnesses, including two other Lufthansa planes. Despite initial explanations by some scientists suggesting a meteor, the pilots involved maintained it was an unidentified flying object.

Multiple Witness Case in California

Field Investigator William M. Murphy reports on a sighting involving four teenage boys in Anderson, California, on January 19, 1972. The youths observed a bright, oval, blue-white light crossing the road, described as fast and large. Following this, they encountered a tall, stooped figure described as brown or green with lumps on its body. The incident led to a police investigation, but no unusual findings were reported at the time.

Two From Canada

W.K. Allan of Calgary, Alberta, provides two reports from 1971. The first involves Wilton Raw Eater and his wife, who claim their car was lifted off the ground by a bright light on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. The second report comes from Esther Clappison of Rosedale, Alberta, who observed an unconventional object with two occupants.

Opinion: A Psychiatric Opinion

Dr. L. Gerald Laufer, an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, discusses the role of a psychiatrist in evaluating UFO experiences. He emphasizes that psychiatrists should approach such cases without prejudgment and that while they cannot definitively confirm or deny a witness's experience, they can offer a psychiatric perspective.

Book Review: The Age of Flying Saucers

This section reviews Paris Flammonde's book, 'The Age of Flying Saucers: Notes on a Projected History of Unidentified Flying Objects.' The reviewer, David M. Jacobs, acknowledges the book's attempt to provide a scholarly history of UFOs from 1947 to 1969 but criticizes its unclear definitions of 'UFO' and 'flying saucer,' its confusing use of jargon, and its lack of a cohesive analytical framework. The reviewer finds Flammonde's attempt at analysis to be a 'travesty' and suggests that serious students of UFOs will need to wait for a more sound, scholarly history.

Enquirer Reward Panel

This section reports on the National Enquirer's UFO panel meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, to examine applications for a $50,000 'UFO Proof' award. APRO is acting as a consultant, and several APRO members are on the board. An additional $5,000 prize for 'best evidence short of conclusive proof' has been announced.

Message: Man's Message To The Stars

This article discusses the Pioneer 10 spacecraft, launched on March 2, 1972, on its mission to Jupiter and beyond. It highlights the plaque attached to the spacecraft, designed by Dr. Carl Sagan and Dr. Frank Drake, which contains a message intended for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). The plaque includes diagrams of a hydrogen atom, human figures, and the location of Earth within the galaxy, along with information about pulsars to help ETI determine the origin of the spacecraft.

Landing Report In France

Richard Niemtzow and Dr. Rene Hardy report on an alleged UFO landing near Civieres Commune, Eure, France, on March 18, 1972. Witness Daniel Loretz described a dark, oval object landing in a field, with lights and a noise like a tractor. The incident caused his car engine to malfunction briefly.

Back Bulletins Available

This section lists available back issues of The APRO Bulletin for purchase by members and subscribers.

FSR Special Issue

Information is provided about a special issue of the British magazine Flying Saucer Review titled 'UFOs in Two Worlds,' featuring articles by notable UFO researchers.

More On Kansas Case

This article provides additional information on a UFO landing report in Delphos, Kansas, investigated by Field Investigator Clancy D. Tull. The report details witness Ronald Johnson's account of a bright object and a 'rumbling sound,' and notes that soil samples are being analyzed for chemical changes.

UFO Wave In Chile

Summaries of UFO reports from Chile are presented, including sightings of bright lights on the ocean in Tocopilla and a detailed account of a luminous object observed by truck drivers and police near Antofagasta.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed case reports of UFO sightings with witness testimonies and physical evidence, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and data collection, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the scientific analysis of evidence, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further research. The magazine also shows an interest in the broader implications of UFO phenomena, such as the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and the messages humanity sends into space.