Americans for Safe Aerospace

Formation and Purpose of Americans for Safe Aerospace

Americans for Safe Aerospace (ASA) is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting pilots and aviation professionals in reporting encounters with Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) without fear of stigma or professional consequences. Founded in 2022 by Ryan Graves, a former U.S. Navy pilot, ASA emerged in response to the growing need for a safe and structured reporting mechanism for UAP sightings in the aviation sector. Graves, who publicly shared his own UAP encounters during his military service, established the organization to address the challenges pilots face when disclosing such incidents, including potential career risks and lack of formal reporting channels. ASA’s mission centers on enhancing aviation safety by ensuring that UAP encounters are documented and analyzed to mitigate risks to pilots and passengers.

Key Figures and Involvement in UAP Disclosure

Ryan Graves, the founder of ASA, is a central figure in the organization and the broader UAP disclosure movement. As a former F/A-18 pilot, Graves gained public attention after testifying about his firsthand UAP sightings off the U.S. East Coast, including near-miss incidents that raised safety concerns. His advocacy through ASA focuses on destigmatizing UAP reporting and encouraging transparency. The organization has collected testimonies from over 30 commercial and military pilots, compiling a database of encounters to highlight the frequency and potential hazards of UAP in airspace. ASA actively collaborates with members of Congress to push for legislative reforms, including improved UAP reporting protocols and the integration of UAP data into aviation safety frameworks. This work aligns with broader government efforts to investigate UAP, such as the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), though ASA operates independently as a civilian advocacy group.

Broader Significance in Aviation and UAP Discourse

ASA plays a significant role in bridging the gap between individual pilot experiences and institutional responses to UAP. By providing a platform for anonymous reporting, the organization ensures that critical data is not lost due to fear of ridicule or professional repercussions. Its efforts contribute to a growing body of evidence that UAP may pose tangible risks to aviation safety, prompting calls for standardized reporting and analysis. Furthermore, ASA’s advocacy supports the broader push for government transparency on UAP, aligning with whistleblower testimonies and congressional hearings that have intensified public and political interest in the topic since the 2017 release of Navy UAP footage. The organization’s work underscores the intersection of national security, aviation safety, and scientific inquiry, positioning it as a key player in shaping how UAP encounters are addressed in both policy and practice.