the apro bulletin

Magazine Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin, Volume 24, Number 2, dated August 1975, is the official publication of the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO). It is dedicated to the eventual solution of the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The magazine features a cover story about a Mexican aircraft being "escorted" by UFOs, details on a Field Investigator Seminar, a UFO sighting over a train in Tasmania, and an analysis of declassified CIA documents.

Cover Story: UFOs "Escort" Mexican Aircraft

The lead story details an incident on May 2, 1974, involving Carlos Antonio de los Santos Montiel, a pilot flying a Piper Aztec 24 registered as XB-XAU. While returning to Mexico City from Zihuatenajo, Montiel encountered three unidentified objects that positioned themselves around his aircraft, causing his controls to freeze. The objects appeared as two plates joined at the rim with a cupola, and one object seemed to nearly collide with the windshield before passing underneath. Montiel reported his airspeed decreased from 140 to 120 knots, and he was unable to control the plane. The Mexico City International Airport was alerted and prepared for an emergency landing. After maintaining position and controlling the aircraft's altitude, the UFOs eventually released control, and Montiel was able to land safely after circling the airport for 40 minutes. Medical examinations later suggested low blood sugar might have caused hallucinations, but further investigation by APRO Field Investigator Fernando J. Tellez Pareja is ongoing. The report includes a drawing by Staff Artist Robert Gonzales and notes that Montiel is a 23-year-old pilot with two years of experience and 370 flying hours.

Field Investigator Seminar

APRO Field Investigator Bill Pitts is promoting a Field Investigator Seminar to be held in Fort Smith, Arkansas, over the weekend of October 17-19. The seminar will include a Friday night "get acquainted" meeting, full programming on Saturday, and conclude by noon on Sunday. The headquarters will be the Trade Winds Inn. Advance registration is $12.50 per person until October 1, after which it increases to $17.50. APRO Director Mr. Lorenzen will attend and present a paper on Magnetic Detector Calibration and research.

UFO Over Train in Tasmania

In late November 1974, the crew of train Number 90 observed a strange object while traveling north on the Hobart to Launceton line, near Colebrook, Tasmania. At approximately 9:40 p.m., a very bright white light appeared from behind a hill, curved towards the train, became stationary, and then disappeared. The light was visible for four minutes. The witnesses estimated the UFO to be 30 to 40 feet in length, long and narrow, egg-shaped, with a golden orange color and blue and white lights. The object sped off into the north. The report was forwarded by Wm. K. Roberts, Tasmanian Representative.

Osteopath Joins Staff

Dr. B.A. Te Poorten, D.O., a Professor at the Osteopathic Manipulating Medicine Division of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines, Iowa, has joined APRO's consulting staff. Dr. Te Poorten, born in 1927, holds a B.S. in Chemistry and a Doctor of Osteopathy. He has held several leadership positions in osteopathic organizations and has extensive speaking and lecturing experience. He has no set theories on the UFO phenomenon but is eager to investigate cases in the Middlewest.

Detector Network

APRO is initiating a UFO Detection Network on the North American Continent, largely due to the efforts of Richard Niemtzow. Plans for a simple magnetic detector, designed by Christian Klein based on an idea by the late Dr. Rene Hardy, will be published in an upcoming issue of Official UFO Magazine. APRO will offer the plans for $2.50. Future plans include detector registration, distribution of calibrator plans, and the availability of prefabricated detectors.

Object Ejects Small Spheres

On March 2, 1975, a family in Rhode Island observed a large, yellowish, egg-shaped light moving erratically. After hovering for five minutes, two orange-white, ball-shaped objects dropped from the larger object and flew northward. The larger object then moved away erratically. The family reported no noise or exhaust from the objects. The sighting occurred in an area surrounded by a wildlife game management area, known for its quiet.

Review: Beyond Earth by Ralph and Judy Blum

David M. Jacobs, Ph.D., APRO Consultant in History, reviews "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact with UFOs" by Ralph and Judy Blum. Jacobs notes that the book is a well-balanced account of the UFO phenomenon, tracing its history and discussing cases like Pascagoula and Herbert Schirmer. However, he criticizes the Blums for being new to the field and unable to discriminate between fact and speculation, citing their acceptance of "ancient astronaut" theories and misinterpretation of literary passages, such as a quote from Shakespeare. He also points out the book's padding and lack of thorough investigation into sighting cases. Despite these flaws, Jacobs concludes that the book is a good starting point for beginners and contributes to making UFO research more respectable.

CIA Documents On UFOs Released

Brad Sparks reports on the declassification of the full report of the CIA's 1953 scientific advisory panel on UFOs. The panel, chaired by Dr. Howard Percy "Bob" Robertson, convened in January 1953. The memo, written by Frederick Clark Durant III, details the panel's findings, minutes, and participants. Most of the information deleted from the "sanitized" version had been known to APRO since 1973 through secondary sources. The report includes details on the panel members, including physicists, geophysicists, and astronomers, as well as interviewees from various intelligence agencies. APRO has been actively seeking the declassification of these documents and plans to publish its analysis in the coming months.

More On "UFO Report"

Mr. Darwin Lamm is distributing audition shows of "Creative Radio Shows" to radio stations, reporting an enthusiastic response. The series is expected to air beginning September 15. Members are urged to contact their local stations to promote the show. The potential for increasing public awareness of APRO's work is considered significant.

Staff Artists

The bulletin acknowledges the contributions of APRO's staff artists, including Robert Gonzales, Norman Duke, and Brian James, whose illustrations will be featured in Mrs. Lorenzen's upcoming book, "Encounters with UFO Occupants."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case reports of UFO sightings and encounters, often with an emphasis on pilot testimonies and official investigations. There is a strong commitment to scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the discussion of the CIA's scientific advisory panel and the initiation of a UFO detection network. The organization also engages in reviewing UFO-related literature and promoting awareness through various media. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, evidence-based investigation into the UFO phenomenon, aiming for eventual understanding and solution, while acknowledging the challenges of separating fact from speculation and hoaxes.