Definition
Airborne, surface, or near-space objects or events observed by pilots, controllers, or sensors that cannot be readily identified or explained as known aircraft, weather, natural phenomena, or other familiar sources. Pilots are encouraged to report UAP sightings so the observations can be evaluated and recorded by the appropriate authorities.
Plain English
Something seen in or near the airspace that doesn't match any known aircraft, weather, or natural cause, and can't be easily explained. Pilots are asked to report these so they can be looked into.
Context Anchor
Seen in AIM glossary and safety-reporting discussions when a pilot observes something unusual in or near the airspace.
Derivation
‘Anomalous’ comes from the Greek ‘anomalos,’ meaning ‘uneven’ or ‘not regular.’ In this context it points to something that doesn't fit the normal pattern of expected sights in the sky — not necessarily mysterious, just not matching anything known.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate reporting supports aviation safety and allows authorities to investigate possible hazards without assuming any particular cause.
Intuition Check
Do not assume UAP means an alien spacecraft or a proven threat. It simply means the observed object or event has not been identified or explained at the time.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot contacted ATC to file a UAP report after observing a fast-moving object that didn't match any traffic on the frequency.
Example Sentence 2
After landing, the crew completed the required form describing the UAP observed during the approach.