Our location was somewhat east of the approach to CLT runways 36 right and 36 left. I looked up to observe an aircraft, moving north on final approach to Douglas, when two flashing, white lights caught my eye. They were close together moving in a line from west to east at an apparent constant velocity.

I would judge that the velocity approximated the movement of the observed aircraft which was on final approach to CLT. With a 737, this would be approximately 160 kts. Based on the standard glide slope, the aircraft altitude at this point could be obtained. Not knowing the altitude or size of the observed object it is not possible to judge the speed, only the apparent motion.

There seemed to be structure connecting the lights and a slender shaft (pole, girder etc.) extending at an angle from the right side of the object with an indistinct mass at the outer end of it.

As I continued to watch it followed a steady course to the east then the direction of travel slowly turned to the north east with the apparent distance between the lights increasing. Then both of the lights started on a smooth, shallow upward angle and, within a second, faded from view. There didn’t seem to be cloud cover or thick haze where they disappeared. They just went out and were gone.

The lights had a dimension to them much as an auto’s headlights have when approaching at night. They did not appear as an anti-collision strobe does. They had a duty cycle of 50%. The rate of flashing was approximately three times a second. I don’t remember for sure but I think that they were synchronized in their action.

They appeared square with the pure white color of a white LED (light emitting diode) or a florescent lamp. The on-off action had a quick transition from off to on and on to off not the slower rise and fall of a incandescent lamp would have. Compare the action of incandescent brake lights on an automobile with the instantaneous on-off action of one with the new LED brake lights.

The object overall seemed to be somewhat indistinct with only the protruding “mast” having a linear form. What it was I have no idea. The irony of the situation is that I had a good quality, digital camera with telephoto capabilities in my equipment case at my feet and never thought to use it. I did make some notes immediately before memory faded or added anything to the event.

UFO? Part 2:

The next day, Sunday 10/19/08, I was at an elevated position at the same location and happened to gaze at the high rise buildings of downtown Charlotte. In the distance I noticed a dark appearing, rectangular object moving steadily from east to west. As I watched it began to decrease in length, become a vertical line and then vanish.

It then reappeared as a vertical line and began to lengthen to its original size as it moved from west to east. Since I had my camera in my hand at the time I zoomed in and determined what it was. I then shot a picture of it through the window glass. UFO? No just a banner towed by an almost invisible aircraft flying an oval path.

UFO? Deductions:

1) The object I spotted on the previous day was not a banner being towed by an aircraft.

2) It was not a high level research balloon. I am familiar with the sight of those devices.

3) I have witnessed air to air refueling operations. This was not that.

4) The apparent increasing distance between the lights as they altered course and started moving from right to left in respect to me shortly before they quickly faded out would rule out the “vanishing” being due to a thin object as seen from the ends.

5) The distance between the two lights did seem to decrease as they moved directly away from me but the rate of change was slow and the change was not large. I would think this would be typical of something seen at a high altitude.

6) The path of the object (objects) was directly across the approach to a major airport. Anything at a low or medium altitude would not be allowed to fly such a course.

7) I am familiar with the transit of orbiting objects. This was not something in orbit. Only the moon in its orbit is visible in the daylight without high tech gear.

8) The sketch is of the object that I saw on 10/18/08. The photo is of the banner aircraft that I noticed on 10/19/08

Now as to some personal information. I am 75 years old, in good mental and physical health, and may be considered to be a trained observer. Although retired, I function in the role of a consultant in my field of expertise.

The only thing that I can say for sure is that I saw two flashing lights and some structure. If anything similar has ever been reported in your network I would like to know about it. A sketch as well as I can remember it is included. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely,

Richard L. Pearson Sr.

permanent link: http://www.ufocasebook.com/2008c/ufonorthcarolina.html

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