The Incredible Life and Claims of Late Aviator John Lear
Today, I heard the Weaponized podcast episode all about the aviator John Lear (the YouTube version of that episode is at the foot of this post). Lear’s career as a pilot and the information he acquired during his life are extraordinary so it seems fitting that his legacy should be more widely known and shared. This then is my humble contribution.
What was John Lear?
John Lear was a famous American aviator known for his fascinating life story and controversial claims regarding UFOs and alien life. As the son of William Lear, the inventor of the Learjet, aviation ran in his blood. But John carved out his own place in aviation history with his record-breaking flights and service as a CIA pilot.
Later in life, his claims about top secret government knowledge of alien life made him a prominent figure in UFO circles. This post will explore John Lear’s aviation career, family ties, friendships, and incredible assertions that captivated UFO enthusiasts for decades, before his death on March 29, 2022 at age 79.
Early Life and Aviation Career
John Lear was born in 1942 in Los Angeles, California to William Lear and Moya Marie Lear. He learned to fly at age 15 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. By age 17, Lear had already earned his private pilot’s license. His first military role came in 1964 when he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve.
In 1965, Lear obtained his commercial pilot’s license. The same year, at just 23 years old, he broke the world record for fastest time flying between two major cities in a private jet aircraft – Los Angeles to New York. He completed the trip in 3 hours and 58 minutes in a Learjet 23.
Over the following decades, Lear racked up aviation accomplishments including being the youngest jet pilot in the world and logging over 19,000 hours of flight time in over 100 types of planes. He went on to work for several airlines and charter companies as a commercial pilot.
There is also speculation that Lear worked as a pilot for the CIA’s Air America operation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, though details remain classified. Lear himself hinted at involvement but never outright confirmed.
Complex Relationship with Father William Lear
As William Lear’s only son, John had a complex relationship with his famous inventor father. The two clashed frequently, with the free-spirited John chafing under his father’s demanding personality. However, John also deeply admired his father’s creativity and innovation.
When William Lear died in 1978, he left his son out of his will. John believed this was due to his refusal to work for the Lear Jet company. However, John was not resentful, saying his father had given him the greatest gift of all – his name.
Despite their rocky history, John honored his father’s legacy by continuing to break aviation records and push the envelope throughout his career, up until his death.
Friendship with Bob Lazar Adds Fuel to UFO Interest
In the late 1980s, John Lear formed a close friendship with a man named Bob Lazar. Lazar claimed to have worked at the top-secret Area 51 base in Nevada and seen evidence of alien technology and even extraterrestrials.
Lazar shared his incredible story with John, who had already cultivated an intense interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life. John came to fully believe Lazar’s claims and staunchly defended him over the decades until his passing.
John’s friendship with Lazar put him in contact with UFO circles and fueled his emerging public persona as an outspoken believer in government cover-ups of alien contact.
The Truth: Can You Handle It?
In this organized compilation of writings John made toward the end of his life, there is enough controversy to make even the most open minded of us, head spin!
Interviews with George Knapp Bring Lear into UFO Spotlight
Lear first entered the public eye in the late 1980s when he appeared for multiple in-depth interviews on KLAS-TV in Las Vegas with investigative journalist George Knapp.
Lear made a series of shocking claims about the government’s secret research into UFOs, alien beings, and advanced technology at facilities like Area 51 and S4. He asserted the government had recovered and back-engineered alien spacecraft. He also claimed the government was aware of multiple extraterrestrial species interacting with earth.
Lear described living alien beings working with the U.S. government in underground bases. He doubled down by maintaining the government has secret moon bases and other off-planet installations. Needless to say, Lear’s assertions in these televised interviews were beyond provocative.
Cavalcade of Eye-Popping Claims Captivates UFO Community
In his public appearances, books, and online postings until the very end of his life, John Lear promoted a dizzying array of conspiracy theories related to end-times prophecies, extraterrestrials, and secret government plots. He weaved together religion, science fiction, and real aerospace history into a cosmic narrative.
Some of Lear’s most famous claims include:
- The government possesses alien reproduction vehicles (ARVs) and uses them for secret missions and clandestine surveillance.
- The moon has a breathable atmosphere, forests, and civilizations living beneath its surface.
- There are secret bases on the far side of the moon installed by various extraterrestrial species.
- The U.S. government signed a deal allowing aliens to abduct citizens in exchange for technology.
- There are over 180 billion aliens living inside the earth and over 70 different species interacting on our planet.
- All humans have extraterrestrial genetic origins and are imbued with alien DNA.
Reversed Engineered Techologies
In this episode of Cosmic Disclosure with Emery Smith, John Lear reveals E.T. tech that has made it into the hands of powerful aerospace corporations that will do anything to keep their secrets.
Lear attracted intense skepticism and criticism from debunkers who regarded his claims as ridiculous and unfounded. But within the UFO community, he retained a loyal following willing to keep an open mind about his unconventional ideas, even after his passing.
John Lear never wavered from his assertions over the decades, despite the ridicule they often invited. His willingness to speak his mind made him one of the most colorful and captivating figures in the landscape of UFOlogy right up until the end. He remained a fixture at UFO conventions and on alternative media channels where he continued elaborating his theories until his death at age 79.
An Enduring Legacy
John Lear lived an extraordinary life even before venturing into the realm of UFOs. As a record-breaking jet pilot, CIA operative, and airline captain, his aviation career alone was the stuff of legend. Add that to his descent from famous inventor William Lear, and John’s permanent legacy in aerospace history is assured.
But Lear took an unexpected detour from the mainstream with his outlandish claims of aliens and government cover-ups. His fearless willingness to voice ideas well outside the norm made him an icon in UFO circles that will persist long after his passing. Love him or hate him, John Lear’s creativity and conviction cannot be questioned.
At age 79 when he passed away, John Lear still exhibited the maverick spirit he was known for. His relentless pursuit of what he believed to be the truth, no matter how outrageous, remains an inspiration to those who also dare to think different. John Lear’s lifelong motto says it all: “The only way to shine the light is to tell the truth, no matter how bizarre it may seem.” Though he is gone, his provocative legacy will live on.
