Air Force Regulation 80-17 (AFR 80-17, 19 September 1966) Research and Development

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.

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 analyzing 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 defense 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.

SECTION A - GENERAL PROVISIONS

                                                                        Paragraph
Explanation of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1
Program Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2
Program Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4

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 (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 analyze 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 organizations desiring 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 the assistance of SAF-OI, answer all Congressional and residential 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 or 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 sheriffs, forest rangers, and other civil officials who
may have been in the area 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 an 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 or 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.

(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 factors 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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DISTRIBUTION: S

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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 Unidentified Phenomena
                                                             Questionnaire"
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This Regulation supersedes AFR 200-2, 20 July 1962
OPR: AFRSTA
DISTRIBUTION: S
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This regulation supersedes AFR 80-17A, 8 November 1966.
OPR: AFRDDG
DISTRIBUTION: S

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[ CUFONSM NOTE: AIR FORCE FORM 117 "Sighting of Unidentified Phenomena Questionnaire" is not reproduced here - see the Air Force University Thesis:
"UFOs: Time for a Reassessment"