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3.  Near Midair Collision Reporting

a.  Purpose and Data Uses.

The primary purpose of the Near Midair Collision (NMAC) Reporting
Program

is to provide information for use in enhancing the safety and
efficiency of the National Airspace System. Data

obtained from NMAC reports are used by the FAA to improve the quality
of FAA services to users and to develop

programs, policies, and procedures aimed at the reduction of NMAC
occurrences. All NMAC reports are

thoroughly investigated by Flight Standards Facilities in coordination
with Air Traffic Facilities. Data from these

investigations are transmitted to FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC,
where they are compiled and analyzed,

and where safety programs and recommendations are developed.

b.  Definition.

A near midair collision is defined as an incident associated with the
operation of an aircraft

in which a possibility of collision occurs as a result of proximity of
less than 500 feet to another aircraft, or a report

is received from a pilot or a flight crew member stating that a
collision hazard existed between two or more

aircraft.

c.  Reporting Responsibility.

It is the responsibility of the pilot and/or flight crew to determine
whether a

near midair collision did actually occur and, if so, to initiate a NMAC
report. Be specific, as ATC will not interpret

a casual remark to mean that a NMAC is being reported. The pilot should
state "I wish to report a near midair

collision."

d.  Where to File Reports.

Pilots and/or flight crew members involved in NMAC occurrences are
urged to

report each incident immediately:

By radio or telephone to the nearest FAA ATC facility or FSS.

In writing, in lieu of the above, to the nearest Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO).

e.  Items to be Reported.

Date and time (UTC) of incident.

Location of incident and altitude.

Identification and type of reporting aircraft, aircrew destination,
name and home base of pilot.

Identification and type of other aircraft, aircrew destination, name
and home base of pilot.

Type of flight plans; station altimeter setting used.

Detailed weather conditions at altitude or flight level.

Approximate courses of both aircraft: indicate if one or both aircraft
were climbing or descending.

Reported separation in distance at first sighting, proximity at closest
point horizontally and vertically,

and length of time in sight prior to evasive action.

Degree of evasive action taken, if any (from both aircraft, if
possible).

Injuries, if any.

f.  Investigation.

The FSDO in whose area the incident occurred is responsible for the
investigation and

reporting of NMACs.

g.

Existing radar, communication, and weather data will be examined in the
conduct of the investigation.

When possible, all cockpit crew members will be interviewed regarding
factors involving the NMAC incident.

Air traffic controllers will be interviewed in cases where one or more
of the involved aircraft was provided ATC

service. Both flight and ATC procedures will be evaluated. When the
investigation reveals a violation of an FAA

regulation, enforcement action will be pursued.

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4.  Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) Reports

a.

Persons wanting to report UFO/unexplained phenomenctivity should
contact a UFO/unexplained

phenomena reporting data collection center, such as the National UFO
Reporting Center, etc.

Safety, Accident, and Hazard Reports

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