Chile CEFAA Founded After Airport UFO Sightings (October 1997)
In October 1997, Chile established the Comité de Estudios de Fenómenos Aéreos Anómalos (CEFAA) — an investigation committee for anomalous aerial phenomena — operating under the civilian aviation authority DGAC, which itself reports to the Air Force. The founding followed a period of increased UFO sightings in the vicinity of Chilean airports. General Ricardo Bermudez served as director and in 2012 presented CEFAA's structure and methods to the International UFO Congress in the United States.
CEFAA publishes detailed investigation reports of both explained and unresolved cases on the official government website, and also covers relevant UFO news internationally. In November 2010, CEFAA released transcripts of radio communications between civilian pilots and air-traffic controllers documenting UAP interference with air traffic. The agency cooperates with state UFO research bodies in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay, as well as with civilian researchers, maintaining an unusually high level of transparency for a government UFO programme.
Background
In October 1997, following a series of UFO sightings near Chilean airports, the Chilean government established CEFAA (Comité de Estudios de Fenómenos Aéreos Anómalos) under the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).
The Incident
A series of UFO sightings occurred near Chilean airports in October 1997.
These events prompted immediate governmental action.
Establishment
The Chilean government founded CEFAA under the DGAC.
CEFAA was created specifically in response to the airport UFO sightings.
Significance
CEFAA became one of the most transparent and scientifically rigorous official UAP investigation bodies worldwide.
It openly publishes findings and collaborates with international researchers.
- Investigated hundreds of cases
- Released official analyses of notable encounters
Impact
Chile's approach treats UAPs as a legitimate aviation safety concern rather than dismissing them.
This set a model for Latin American and global UAP governance.