Stigma

“The stigma associated with UAP hampers the number of pilots that would report such phenomena, but even for those who overcome the stigma, I believe the current FAA guidance is largely unknown and poorly understood.”

“We heard that commercial pilots, when encountering UAPs, may be hesitant to speak openly due to stigma or fear of retaliation.”

“Science requires data, which should be collected without bias or prejudice. Yet, whenever the topic of UAP arises, those who wish to explore the phenomenon are often confronted with resistance and ridicule.”

“We have been approached by pilots, I have talked to folks that have been engaged with our office and others, and there is still enormous stigma, and essentially we do not have a system where folks are feeling free to be able to report what they are seeing”

“it is something that pilots are used to reporting on, that crew is used to reporting on. So, it is a great way to get data, to overcome the stigma, without spending really that much more additional money since the system exists”

“Our best tool for unlocking the mystery of UAP is science, but we cannot conduct a proper inquiry if the stigma is so overwhelming that just daring to be part of a NASA research team elicits such a vitriolic response.”

“it is important that more civilian pilots, commercial pilots report so we can better understand and learn and do research on UAP, as well as remove the stigma so more citizens report on what they observe”

“it is incredibly important that civilian pilots have the opportunity to safely report the UAPs that they are seeing or encountering in the air”