Unusual Aerial Sightings File 5/113/AIR

This document is a compilation of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) files concerning 'Unusual Aerial Sightings' (UAS) from the mid-1980s. The file documents the RAAF's administrative approach to managing public reports of unidentified flying objects. Following a policy revision on May 1, 1984, the RAAF shifted its investigative focus. Under the new procedure, the RAAF would act as the initial point of contact, but would only conduct full investigations if a report suggested a specific defence or national security implication. Reports deemed to have no such implications were to be filed at the unit level, and observers were encouraged to contact civilian UFO research organizations, such as the Australian Centre for UFO Studies or various state-based UFO research groups. The file contains several individual 'Report of Unusual Aerial Sighting' forms (Annex A) submitted by members of the public between 1985 and 1986. These reports describe various phenomena, including bright lights, saucer-shaped objects, and flashing lights. For instance, one report from Gregory John Wynyard describes a saucer-shaped object with chrome or pewter metal sides, while another from Maureen Bartley describes an extremely bright white light. The RAAF's responses to these reports are consistently polite, often informing the observer that an investigation has been commenced but ultimately directing them to civilian organizations like UFO Research Queensland for further inquiry. The file also includes internal memoranda and correspondence with other government bodies, such as the Department of Science and the Bureau of Meteorology, regarding the availability of satellite prediction services and meteorological data. The RAAF investigators, such as Flight Lieutenant R.D. Jenkins, frequently noted the lack of defence implications in these sightings, often suggesting that the reports were likely due to natural phenomena, equipment malfunctions, or optical illusions. The file concludes with administrative notes indicating the file was closed on April 23, 1987.