Why Refer to Project AERA?
When someone experiences an unexplained aerial event, whether it’s a pilot, first responder, local resident, or fellow agency member, it can be confusing or even distressing. Many authorities want to help but lack protocols, time, or expertise to support, investigate, or document these reports appropriately.
Project AERA exists to fill this gap. We are a grassroots, evidence-based organization dedicated to helping people who witness unusual aerial events:
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With respect: Never ridicule, minimize, or dismiss.
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With practical support: Listening, field documentation, and referral to further resources if requested.
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With procedure: Using credible tools and methods for interviews, data gathering, and privacy protection.
When Should You Refer Someone to AERA?
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When a member of the public, a pilot, or an employee reports seeing something they cannot explain in the sky.
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When you believe the witness would benefit from support, documentation, or a community that won’t judge them.
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When your agency receives a report that doesn’t require immediate law enforcement or emergency intervention, but the witness wants to be heard and their experience taken seriously.
What Can AERA Do?
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Support Witnesses: Our team listens with care, explains next steps, and helps witnesses record and process what they experienced without fear of ridicule.
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Document Carefully: We use standardized forms, checklists, and technical tools (photo, video, environmental readings) for high-quality, unbiased reporting.
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Collaborate: We share non-private, anonymized data with cooperating authorities upon request to improve safety and situational awareness.
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Refer On: If the experience needs more specialized help (mental health, aviation safety, etc.), we connect witnesses to appropriate resources, never leaving them stranded.
Tools for Agencies
We provide:
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Printable witness forms and a secure, confidential submission portal.
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Field guides for your team (how to handle reports, basic documentation, and initial witness care).
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Consultation on unusual cases, no charge for quick advice.
For program directors or those handling community safety, contact us for a resource package or to discuss a partnership.
AERA’s Pledge
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We are not sensationalists, movement builders, or single-issue advocates.
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We are not interested in publicity for its own sake.
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We are dedicated to filling the gap between citizens with questions and authorities seeking real answers, with both empathy and method.
Authorities/Professional Report Form
“AERA will only contact witnesses by agency request. Cases and identities are never shared without permission. Thank you for supporting responsible and respectful investigation.”