SEFAA / CEFAA Program Overview and Case Classification Methodology

The program, originally CEFAA and now SEFAA under DGAC, collects reports primarily from pilots, air traffic controllers, and radar operators. A panel of astronomers, engineers, meteorologists, and other experts applies scientific methods to analyze data, videos, and sensor records. Cases are categorized as astronomical/atmospheric, aircraft/human activity, insufficient information, or FANI (unidentified aerial phenomenon). The emphasis is on flight safety rather than origin speculation. Public summaries of findings are released, and historical reviews indicate that while some events lack immediate explanation, no evidence of national security threats or non-conventional propulsion has been identified that affects aviation operations. The program maintains transparency by publishing methodologies and select results.