2001-12-31 - Dallas, TX - Circle

Perfect Circle UFO Spotted at 30,000 Feet

I was on an American Airlines flight 1566 from Dallas, TX heading to National Airport in DC. Our takeoff time was delayed and we left Dallas at approximately 2:15 p.m. Dallas Time. Upon reaching cruising altitude (33,000 feet), I opened my window flap (I usually keep it closed during takeoffs and landings).

At that point, our plane is flying above the clouds with about 1/3 of the horizon and sky visible. I cannot see land beneath the plane. I noticed a solid white round object several thousand feet lower than my plane and located up to the North and East of my window (and the plane). At first, trying to rationalize, I think it is a bird. Realizing birds do not fly at 30,000 feet, I continue to watch the object. It seems to hover or float. Eventually, it is directly in line with my window (but at the same distance away. I surmise that at 500 mph, we have caught up with it, and it has not moved. Didn't see it move at that point. Still it appears to hover.

Then, rationalizing further, I think it might be a weather balloon. I have never seen a weather balloon, though, so I am not sure. No sooner do I process that thought, then the white object moves to the West. It is still for a moment and then, shoots out in a diagonal of a north-westerly route and disappears in seconds into the horizon.