733667-001-003-0022
AI Summary
This document is a letter from the FAA responding to inquiries about the flight path of JAL Flight 1628, which encountered a UFO on November 17, 1986. The FAA confirms the flight path based on radar data and emphasizes their focus on airspace safety rather than UFO phenomena.
Key Findings
- The FAA confirms the correct flight path of JAL Flight 1628 based on radar data. - Communication between air traffic control and the pilot is documented. - The FAA prioritizes airspace safety over UFO investigations. - An enclosed statement discusses the lack of scientific investigation into UFOs.
OCR Text
A US Department Alaskan Reaion "01 C Street. Euy 14 Of Transportation (907) 271-5296 Anchoraae, flecka Federal! Aviation 99512 Administration April 1, 1987 Mr. Philip J. Klass 404 N Street Southwest Washington, D.C. 20024 Dear Mr. Klass: In answer to your question regarding the correct flight path of JAL Flight 1628 on November 17, 1986, the path marked on the aero chart is the correct flight path. Our Air Traffic Division evaluation specialists assure me that the flight path was charted from the recorded radar data. Also, the transcription of communication between the air traffic controller and the pilot shows that the controller (after JAL 1628 had changed altitude and had done a 360° turn) said: "Japan Air sixteen twenty eight heavy roger at your discretion proceed direct Talkeetna Jay one two five Anchorage" While we appreciate your offer to speak to our air traffic controllers on the subject of UFO issues, the FAA in not concerned with UFO's per se. The FAA's primary concern in all cases is the safety of the airspace. The controller is expected to maintain separation of air traffic and to determine whether any unauthorized aircraft is in the area. That is just what the controllers did at the time of the JAL flight 1628 sighting. The enclosed statement, "Lack of "Scientific' Investigation," explains Our position on the matter. Sincerely, J. 3 Ways Paul Steucke Public Affairs Officer Enclosure
Metadata
- Agency
- —
- Classification
- UNCLASSIFIED
- Department
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Catalog source
- View NARA catalog record
NARA Source
- NAID
- 733667
- File
- 733667-001-003-0022.jpg
- Type
- image/jpeg
No machine-readable OCR text for this asset. Photographs without captions may have no extractable text.