Ufology News - No 19 - October 2013 January 2014

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFOlogy News" (Novosti Ufologii), dated October 2013 – January 2014, is presented as issue #19. It features an interview with Richard Haines, a prominent figure in UFO research, and covers various topics related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), government transparency, and debunking of alleged sightings.

Interview with Richard Haines

The magazine opens with an extensive interview with Richard Haines, a doctor of experimental psychology and an expert for NASA, particularly on the Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs, as well as aviation programs from 1967-1986. Haines details his career, including his role as head of NASA's Human Factors office and his time as a research associate at advanced computer science institutes. He explains that his interest in UFOs (or UAPs) began in 1966-1977 while working at NASA's Ames Research Center, where he studied light scattering in the human eye. Initially, he believed UAPs were merely misinterpretations of common phenomena, but his work with eyewitnesses, especially pilots, revealed a more complex reality that could not be easily explained.

Haines also discusses the founding of NARCAP (National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena) in 2000, which he helped Ted Roe establish as a non-profit organization. NARCAP's goal is to analyze national aviation reports and investigate UAPs, with a focus on pilot safety. The organization aims to provide a confidential reporting system for pilots and air traffic controllers. Haines mentions that NARCAP has expanded internationally with branches in Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, and other countries, and expresses interest in collaborating with specialists in Ukraine and Russia.

NARCAP's Achievements and Challenges

In a section detailing NARCAP's findings, it's highlighted that some UAPs emit electromagnetic energy that can interfere with aircraft systems, including navigation, control, and communication equipment. The psychological impact on flight crews, such as distraction and panic, is also noted as a significant safety concern, along with the risk of collisions and turbulence. A major challenge identified is the reluctance of pilots to report their sightings, particularly in the US and Western Europe, due to official denials of any problems. NARCAP was created to address this by ensuring confidentiality for witnesses.

The issue also presents "Supplement No. 1 to the Global Archive of UFO Identifications and UAP Research," detailing a substantial database of over 1,674 files across 39 countries, with a significant number of reports from the USA, Argentina, Brazil, and the UK.

US Congress Hearings on Astrobiology, Not UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine addresses a misreported event: US Congress hearings held on December 5, 2013. While sensational headlines claimed Congress was investigating UFOs, the actual topic was "Astrobiology: Search for Biosignatures in our Solar System and Beyond." The article clarifies that the hearings, which featured experts like Sara Seager (MIT), Mary Voytek (NASA), and Steven J. Dick, focused on the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. It quotes committee honorary chairman Ralph M. Hall asking humorous questions about extraterrestrial visitors, which were misinterpreted by some media outlets to suggest a UFO focus.

John Podesta and UFO Document Declassification

Another article discusses the appointment of John Podesta, former White House Chief of Staff, as an advisor to President Barack Obama. Podesta is known for his advocacy for the declassification of government documents related to UFOs. The article references his 2002 speech at the National Press Club, where he urged the government to reveal information about UFO investigations, stating that the American people could handle the truth. The article suggests that Podesta's new role might lead to further transparency regarding UFO evidence.

Debunking UFO Hoaxes and Misidentifications

The magazine features several articles debunking alleged UFO sightings and videos:

• "Not UFOs. Video Montage and CGI Graphics!": This section exposes a video that falsely claimed UFOs attacked the Space Shuttle Columbia. The article identifies the video as a fabrication created by combining BBC documentary footage with CGI animation by a user named "TheFakingHoaxer" (TFH).
• "Not UFOs. Mass Launch of Balloons": A video circulating online, purportedly showing UFOs over Pereira, Colombia, is identified as a mass launch of balloons during a student protest against healthcare reforms. The article notes that local Colombian media reported on the event.

Area 51: Secret Aircraft and Soviet MiGs

An article titled "Area 51: Secret Aircraft and Soviet MiGs" discusses declassified CIA documents from the summer of 2013. These documents, which attracted global attention, pertain to the testing of U-2 reconnaissance aircraft and other secret projects at Area 51. The article debunks the popular myth that Area 51 is a site for alien technology, stating that the base was primarily used for developing and testing advanced aircraft, including Soviet MiG fighters acquired during the Cold War. It references an article by Jeffrey Richelson from the National Security Archive, which details the history of these programs and provides references to over 60 declassified documents.

UFO Encounter Over UK Airspace

A detailed report on an incident from July 19, 2013, describes an encounter between an Airbus A320 passenger jet and an unidentified flying object (UFO) over the UK. The pilot observed a silver, rugby-ball-shaped object that approached the aircraft at a similar altitude before ascending and passing just feet above the plane. Despite the close proximity and potential collision risk, the object was not detected by the aircraft's TCAS system. The incident was investigated and documented in an Airprox report, with no definitive explanation for the object's origin provided.

The article also briefly mentions a similar incident on December 30, 2012, involving a Boeing 777 crew observing two flat, silver discs near Gatwick Airport.

Other Sections

• "New Version of the Space Engine Simulator": A brief mention of an updated version of the "Space Engine" simulator.
• "Collection of UFO Skeptic Phil Klass's Bulletins": Information about a collection of newsletters from UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass, available for download.
• "EIBC Scientific Research Center Protocols Published": This section lists published protocols from EIBC meetings #22 and #23 in November 2013, covering topics such as the restructuring of research groups, the establishment of analytical and anomalistics departments, and the finalization of a global UFO identification archive. It also mentions materials from a Kharkiv expedition, including a UFO sighting and crop formations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It actively debunks hoaxes and misidentifications, emphasizing the importance of scientific investigation and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance appears to favor transparency from governments regarding UFO-related information, as highlighted by the coverage of John Podesta's advocacy and the declassification of documents. The publication also highlights the safety concerns associated with UAP encounters in aviation and the role of organizations like NARCAP in addressing them. There's a clear distinction made between genuine unexplained phenomena and fabricated or misidentified events.

This is a special anniversary bulletin from the EIBC Center, created to commemorate its 3rd anniversary (October 15, 2009 - October 15, 2012). Although parts of the material were prepared in 2012, the bulletin was finally published in late 2013 due to delays, technical issues, and the removal of certain content.

Content

The bulletin features a table of contents with several articles:

1. Igor Kalytyuk: An analytical approach to verifying the motivational-psychological state of individuals who observed 'landing-hovering' of unknown origin transport vehicles (TC) with unknown biological beings (BS) emerging, or who were 'abducted' by such TCs.
2. Artem Bilyk: The amount of information and factors of anomaly in the study of anomalous aerospace phenomena (in Ukrainian).
3. Vladimir Mantulin: A method for detecting Anomalous Objects (AO) by radar stations of Civil Aviation.
4. Alina Mykolyshyn: An analytical study of phenomena related to the subjective factor in the measurement of socio-informational systems (in Ukrainian).

A postscript mentions an article that was removed:

5. Sergey Minkov: Recommendations for stabilizing the psyche – general recommendations for the safety of individuals who observed 'landing-hovering' of unknown origin transport vehicles (TC) with unknown origin beings emerging (from radiation, bacteriological, and electromagnetic effects).

The issue also announces the publication of a special bulletin "UFO News" No. 4 and provides a link to download it in PDF format, along with links to other bulletins from the "UFO News" project.

The Cash-Landrum Incident

The bulletin extensively details the Cash-Landrum incident, which occurred on December 29, 1980. Betty Cash (57), Vickie Landrum (62), and Landrum's 7-year-old grandson Colby were driving near Huffman, Texas, when they encountered a large, diamond-shaped object emitting flames and intense heat. The object was described as being the size of a five-room house and emitted sparks and a light beam.

Following the encounter, all three experienced severe medical problems, including burns, hair loss, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Betty Cash developed cancer and died in 1998, 18 years after the incident. Vickie Landrum suffered vision problems and died in 2007. Colby Landrum also experienced health issues.

Their lawsuit against the U.S. government for $20 million, alleging negligence for failing to warn them about the UFO, was dismissed in 1986. The court could not establish government control over the object. Despite the dismissal, the case highlighted the unexplained nature of the event and the potential dangers associated with such encounters.

Other Incidents and Investigations

Sotnitsino Incident

The bulletin also recounts an incident from April 9, 1985, in Sotnitsino, Ryazan Oblast, Russia, where two sisters, Marina Privizentseva and Polina Shishkova, witnessed a fiery, elongated, cup-shaped object emitting sparks and a light beam. The object's proximity caused them to experience temporary paralysis.

UK Airprox Report

A translated report from the UK Airprox Board (No 2013086) details an incident on July 19, 2013, where an A320 pilot reported a close encounter with a silver, rugby-ball-shaped object flying at the same altitude, approximately 19.5 nautical miles west of Heathrow Airport, London.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Dr. J. Allen Hynek is quoted stating that the Cash-Landrum event was real but its nature (UFO or government tests) was uncertain, emphasizing that something significant had occurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, their potential physical and psychological effects on witnesses, and the challenges in investigating such events, including government secrecy and legal battles. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts, expert analyses, and investigative reports. The inclusion of articles on analytical methods and anomaly detection suggests a scientific approach to the subject matter.

This document, likely an issue of "Ufology News" published on January 8, 2014, details an aviation incident involving an unidentified object (UAP) observed by the pilot of an A320 aircraft near Swanwick, United Kingdom. The report includes radar data, air traffic control information, and an analysis of potential causes.

Incident Description

The primary event occurred when the pilot of an A320, flying north in sector FL340, observed an object through the left forward observation window. The pilot estimated the object was flying at or slightly above his level. According to the collision avoidance system and radar, there were no other aircraft in the immediate vicinity. No meteorological balloon launches were registered in that sector.

The unidentified object was initially registered on radar at 1828:53, about 30 nautical miles west of Heathrow, near the village of Eling. It then proceeded westward and landed at White Waltham at 1846. The object was identified as a Tiger Moth aircraft operating at low altitudes, and this identification led to its removal from further investigation.

Investigation and Analysis

The report details the findings of an investigation, likely conducted by NATS Ltd (National Air Traffic Services) and the Military Radar Analytical Service (RAC).

Key findings and considerations include:

• Radar Data: The radar did not show any conflicting traffic, and the collision avoidance system did not issue any warnings. The RAC was unable to track the reported object.
• Meteorological Balloons: The possibility of a meteorological balloon was investigated. It was calculated that a helium-filled balloon would need to be 1 meter in diameter to reach FL340, ruling out commercial toy balloons. Furthermore, three organizations confirmed that no balloons were launched in the specified area on the day of the incident.
• Other Aircraft: Besides the A320, there were other aircraft in the general area: one at 38.2 nautical miles west of the A320 (sector FL370, heading East-Southeast), another at 23.4 nautical miles northwest of the A320 (sector FL358, heading South-Southeast), and a third at 28.2 nautical miles ahead of the A320 at a similar altitude and direction.
• Solar Glare: The report considered the possibility of solar glare. Two aircraft were noted 20 and 35 nautical miles to the west, slightly above the A320's level, and one aircraft was 20 miles ahead at the same level. It was suggested that the position of the sun could have created solar glare. However, the investigation could not definitively track the object or determine a cause for its appearance.
• Pilot's Conviction: Despite the potential explanations, the A320 pilot was convinced that a collision with the object was imminent.
• Data Limitations: The investigation by NATS Ltd could not confirm the origin, altitude, or size of the object reported by the A320 pilot. The collected factual data did not conclusively support the solar glare explanation, even though it was considered a probability.

Definitions and Context

The document includes explanations for aviation terms:

• PLOG (Pilot's Log): A flight log containing details of the planned route, destination, altitude, estimated time of arrival, and fuel status, updated during flight for safety assessment.
• Observation Window (Forward Ventilation Window): A part of the cockpit window that can be opened for direct visibility, useful for clearing a dirty windscreen.
• Angle Measurement: A hand gesture (spreading fingers with the back of the hand visible) is described as approximating a 20-25° angle.
• ERC Risk Classification: A risk assessment scale that was not completed for this incident but was shadow-assessed by the director and secretariat of UKAB for analytical purposes.

Conclusion

The investigation concluded that while a Tiger Moth aircraft was identified and removed from the investigation, the origin, altitude, and size of the object reported by the A320 pilot could not be confirmed. The available data did not provide a definitive explanation, leaving the nature of the observed phenomenon uncertain despite considering possibilities like solar glare.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) through official channels, highlighting the challenges in definitively identifying and explaining such sightings based on available data. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting and analysis of aviation incidents with unusual elements, presenting findings and limitations without definitive conclusions on the nature of the UAP itself, while acknowledging the pilot's conviction and the inconclusive nature of the evidence.