Magazine Summary

The APRO Bulletin

Magazine Issue Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. 1970s

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Summary

Overview

This issue of The APRO Bulletin covers several significant UFO cases and research methodologies. The lead story details the polygraph test taken by Travis Walton, with results indicating he passed. Other reports include a radar-visual case in Yugoslavia involving airport personnel and a DC-9, a sighting of a UFO fleet over Rock Lake, Wyoming by two witnesses, and a mystery rocket sighting by an Eastern Airlines pilot over the US East Coast. The issue also includes a review of Phillip J. Klass's book 'UFOs Explained,' offering a critical perspective on his explanations for classic UFO cases.

Magazine Overview

Title: The APRO Bulletin
Issue: Vol. 24, No. 6
Date: December 1975
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
Country: USA
Language: English

Key Articles and Reports

Walton Takes Polygraph Test

The lead story details the investigation into the Travis Walton case, focusing on polygraph tests administered to Travis and his brother Duane. Dr. Harold Cahn and Dr. R. Sprinkle conducted interviews, and George J. Pfeiffer, a licensed polygraph operator, administered the tests. Both brothers passed. The pertinent questions asked of Travis Walton and his answers are listed, covering his prior UFO interest, drug use, truthfulness, the blue-green ray, recall of the experience, being on a table in a strange room, seeing creatures, conspiring in a hoax, and accuracy in describing the experience. Dr. Sprinkle's evaluation suggests the case is strong due to multiple witnesses, polygraph results, and the witness's demeanor. Travis Walton is described as a shy, analytical individual, not a typical 'UFO buff,' who is puzzled by his experience but does not speculate.

Mystery Rockets Over Eastern U.S.

Captain C.S. Wilson of Eastern Airlines reported sighting two 'missiles' or 'rockets' at 1,000 feet above his DC-9 near Emporia, Virginia. The Federal Aeronautics Association acknowledged the report, and the Defense Department and NASA stated no missiles were fired. A possible explanation offered was meteorites, but sources indicated the objects had definite configurations unlike meteors.

Radar-Visual Case In Yugoslavia

APRO's Yugoslavian Representative, Milos Krmelj, reports a radar-visual case involving airport employees at Tivat airport. A DC-9 making practice take-offs and landings was observed by ground personnel while an unknown object was detected on radar. The object was described as large, changing color from green to yellow-red, and moving at high speed. While many on the ground witnessed the object, the DC-9 crew did not, likely due to their duties.

New Mexico Occupant Case

Field Investigator Patti Morris investigated a possible occupant report from Deming, New Mexico, dating back to 1972. Mrs. Hilda McAfee and her mother reported seeing a beam of blue light and two men in pale blue coveralls near a large, obscure object on the ground. They experienced burning pain in their chests and arms after the encounter. Mrs. McAfee came forward due to the publicity surrounding the Travis Walton incident.

UFOs Explained by Phillip J. Klass (Book Review)

Walter N. Webb reviews Phillip J. Klass's second book, 'UFOs Explained.' Webb notes it's an improvement over Klass's first book, 'UFOs – Identified,' but still finds fault with Klass's explanations for close-encounter cases. Webb praises Klass for explaining away several 'classic' cases like the Trent photos and the Montana film. However, he criticizes Klass's hypotheses for the Socorro, New Guinea, Pascagoula, and Coyne cases, arguing that Klass distorts or omits pertinent data. The review highlights specific criticisms of Klass's explanations for the Socorro and Coyne incidents, and notes Klass's abandonment of his plasma hypothesis for the Hill experience.

UFO Fleet Over Wyoming

Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle reports on a sighting of approximately 35 discs over Rock Lake, Wyoming, on September 24, 1974. Witnesses Ralph McConahy and Carl Graham described the objects as round, silvery, and in an oval formation. One object appeared to be controlling the group. The objects moved horizontally over the lake, and one made a sweeping circular swing before the entire formation departed at a steep angle. The sound was described as similar to a jet or B-52 bombers.

Making Intensity Estimates And Measurements (Conclusion)

This concluding part of a series by Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., discusses the measurement of luminous intensity and luminance. It emphasizes the need for careful and precise measurement techniques and refers readers to detailed references for further study. The author suggests keywords related to atmospheric transmission, calibration, estimation ability, human factors, and visual perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently focuses on detailed case investigations, witness credibility, and the scientific study of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to contribute information and share observations. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation and a critical approach to explanations, as evidenced by the review of Klass's book and the detailed reporting of witness accounts. The organization also highlights its consulting panels and representatives worldwide, underscoring its international reach and multidisciplinary approach to UFO research.

In UFO research, circumstances require that many rumors and details must be pursued in order to develop a case fully. Tips and rumors both positive and negative must be developed to determine their merit. While this is time-consuming, there seems to be no alternative, for false rumors, if left unchecked, could distort the total picture.

Key Incidents

  1. 1975-11-1960 miles south of Richmond, Virginia

    Captain C.S. Wilson of Eastern Airlines reported sighting two 'missiles' or 'rockets' at 1,000 feet above his DC-9.

  2. 1972-06/0723 miles east of Deming, New Mexico

    Mrs. Hilda McAfee and her mother reported a beam of blue light shining on their car, and saw two men in pale blue coveralls near a large, obscure object.

  3. 1975-10-30Tivat airport, Yugoslavia

    A DC-9 making practice take-offs and landings was observed by airport personnel to be near an unknown object detected on radar.

  4. 1974-09-24Rock Lake, Wyoming

    Ralph McConahy and Carl Graham reported witnessing a fleet of approximately 35 round, silvery objects in an oval formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the outcome of the Travis Walton polygraph test?

Both Duane and Travis Walton passed the polygraph tests administered by George J. Pfeiffer.

What was reported in the Yugoslavian radar-visual case?

Airport personnel at Tivat airport observed an unknown object on radar near a DC-9 making practice take-offs and landings.

What is the main criticism of Phillip J. Klass's book 'UFOs Explained'?

The reviewer criticizes Klass for distorting or ignoring pertinent data in close-range encounter cases, and for his explanations of incidents like Socorro, New Guinea, and the Hill affair.

What unusual phenomenon was reported over Rock Lake, Wyoming?

Two witnesses reported seeing a fleet of approximately 35 round, silvery objects in an oval formation, with one object appearing to control the group.

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • Captain C.S. WilsonCaptain of Eastern Airlines
  • Raymond G. BelangerChief of the Federal Aeronautics Association's air traffic service
  • Patti MorrisField Investigator
  • Mrs. Hilda McAfeeWitness
  • Travis WaltonSubject of investigation
  • Dr. William BickelInvestigator
  • Ken CoplanUndersheriff
  • Sheriff GillespieSheriff
  • Dr. Harold CahnConsultant in Parapsychology and Physiology
  • Dr. R. SprinkleConsultant in Psychology
  • George J. PfeifferPolygraph operator
  • Milos KrmeljAPRO's Yugoslavian Representative
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, Inc. (APRO)
  • Federal Aeronautics Association
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena)
  • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • USAF
  • SUMADIJA

Locations

  • Leesburg, Virginia, USA
  • West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
  • Washington, D.C., USA
  • National Airport, USA
  • Richmond, Virginia, USA
  • Emporia, USA
  • Navajo County, Arizona, USA
  • Deming, New Mexico, USA
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
  • Interstate 10, USA
  • Phoenix, Arizona, USA
  • Tivat airport, Yugoslavia
  • Tifograd, Yugoslavia
  • Dubrovnik Airport, Yugoslavia
  • +6 more

Topics & Themes

UFO SightingPolygraph TestOccupant EncounterRadar-Visual CaseUFO Research MethodologyUFOWalton CasePolygraphEastern AirlinesCaptain WilsonYugoslaviaRadar-VisualOccupant CaseMcAfeeWyomingFleet of DiscsAPROKlassSprinkleCahn