gsGroundScholar
Sign in
UAP Reporting

AIM ¶ 7-7-4 — UAP Reporting

AIM 7-7-4 explains how pilots report Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) sightings via the AARO website or local law enforcement if endangered.

In Plain English

AIM 7-7-4 tells pilots and the public how to report Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) — events that don't have an obvious explanation. While UAP sightings are rare, knowing the proper reporting channel keeps the FAA and DoD informed and helps you handle the situation calmly if it ever happens to you.

There are two reporting paths:

  • Routine UAP/unexplained phenomena reports: Submit through the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) website at https://www.aaro.mil/.
  • Safety-of-life or property concerns: If you believe life or property is endangered by UAP activity, contact your local law enforcement department immediately.

This guidance is informational — the AIM is not regulatory — but following it ensures your report reaches the federal office tasked with analyzing these events. As a pilot, the practical takeaway is: fly the aircraft first, note what you observed (time, location, altitude, description), and use the appropriate channel after landing or once safety is assured.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 7-7-4
7-7-4. 7-7-4. Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Reports Persons wanting to report UAP/unexplained phenomena activity should visit the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) website at https://www.aaro.mil/. If concern is expressed that life or property might be endangered by unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) activity, report the activity to the local law enforcement department.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Where should a pilot go to report a Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) sighting?
Per AIM 7-7-4, persons wanting to report UAP or unexplained phenomena activity should visit the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) website at https://www.aaro.mil/.
Q2Who should you contact if you believe UAP activity is endangering life or property?
Per AIM 7-7-4, if there is concern that life or property might be endangered by UAP activity, the activity should be reported to the local law enforcement department.
Q3Is reporting a UAP through the AARO website a regulatory requirement?
No. AIM 7-7-4 is informational guidance, not a regulation. It directs pilots to AARO as the recommended reporting channel, but the AIM itself is not regulatory like the FARs.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 7
7-7-1
Aviation Safety Reporting Program
7-7-2
Accident and Incident Reporting
7-7-3
Near Midair Collision Reporting
7-7-5
SAFO and InFO Bulletins
Master the AIM
Stop guessing. Drill it.

Adaptive questions tied to the live AIM + FAR. Mock checkrides predict your DPE pass rate.

5 questions/day free • No credit card
AIM 7-7-4 — Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Reports