"These things could be potentially hazardous to flight even if they don't really exist. Especially if they don't really exist!".  *James Jaeger

The UFO phenomenon is well known around the world. The US government officially denies their existence and furthermore claims that the sightings are mostly hallucinatory in nature. The government's position is that all real sightings can be explained by natural or man made objects or weather phenomenon and are simply misinterpreted by the observer.

The existence or non-existence of Flying Saucers and similar objects is not an issue that can be solved by the general public at this time. Many people have seen them and believe they do exist but there is no indisputable comprehensive proof available to the public that can collaborate these sightings. There is much literature devoted to the subject but this is certainly hearsay at best due to the lack of significant, tangible evidence.

Looking at the big picture, it may not be an issue to the average pilot whether or not they do exist. But reports from people that claim to have seen them prove that they could be hazardous to flight safety. Since no one will touch this subject for fear of ridicule we are going to go out on a limb and try to put it in a more rational perspective. Even if they are not real, it may deserve mention as it is likely that some pilots will continue to see them.

In the spirit of open mindedness, and good judgement, one must consider the fact that they may be real... And also consider the fact that it may be some sort of illusion. Knowing how one will react in such circumstances is very difficult.

Part of good judgement is introspection.

One thing is certain, if a pilot plans before hand what to do, there is a better chance that it will be a well thought out, rational, decision and reaction time will be less.

If a UFO sighting occurs ...

The initial reaction may be to do nothing and try to figure out what it is. And there is nothing wrong with wondering unless it is close enough to justify evasive maneuvers. A pilot's primary concern is to "fly the aircraft".

If it is close enough to positively identify it as an unconventional aircraft of any type there may reason for concern even if it is not a midair collision hazard. Remain calm and consider your options.

Do not approach it ...

It may be too close if it is close enough to positively identify.  It has been reported that these things are capable of fantastic speeds and unbelievable, erratic, behavior. It is also suspected that they emit large amounts of wide spectrum radiation. Ranging from Electromagnetic to emissions of harmful nuclear radiation. Air turbulence in the form of wake vortices is also a possible consideration since the flight aerodynamics of a Flying Saucer is officially unknown.

Compass readings and radio operation (audible static) are adversely affected by strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and may be the first noticeable indicators of EMI. At close range EMI can completely incapacitate radios, all avionics, and possibly, engine failure.

It is prudent to consider the potential threat to flight safety. For IFR flight, a real emergency could be the result of a close encounter even if it is an illusion. In this case it is up to the pilot in command to judge what to do. Deviation from an IFR flight plan without a clearance by exercising emergency authority puts other aircraft in danger. It is safer if you request and wait for a clearance for deviation. If collision is immanent, deviate only enough to avoid it even if it means getting close to it.

Reporting Sightings ...

Many pilots consider the fact that no Air Traffic Controller is going to believe it. The FAA categorically denies the existence of Flying Saucers and Aliens.  Sightings typically go unreported.

Under IFR flight, it is sometimes required to officially identify the reason for the emergency deviation of a flight plan without an initial clearance from Air Traffic Control. It would be prudent to identify it simply as "aircraft collision avoidance". If they didn't see it on radar it does not mean it was not there. Pilots are not required to be experts on aircraft identification.

If a UFO is impossible to avoid ...

Some have reported being followed by UFO's. Do not allow it to continue even if it means landing at the nearest airport. Some commercial pilots have reported being followed right down to the runway by unidentified balls of light even at busy airports. But there is no threat to flight safety if you are on the ground.

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