The fact two pilots reported it at the same time is somewhat of a validation. So, why didn't anyone pull out their cameras and shoot out the window?? They'd be listed forever on some Homeland Security's site.
They have a monthly quota you know, and passengers taking pictures out of their window seats is considered suspicious. They'd have to be written up.

I also thought this could be 3-D miltary style holographic imaging, just to test the public's re-action. However, seeing as the pilot was a bit frightened, he now bears the responsibility of repeating his fright/re-action and subsequent psychological fall-out. How would you like to be him?

The second thing you mention ....the "timing", may or may not have anything to do with it. Are thoughts really "things"? Are we creating this ourselves, or do the aliens really have a psychic PR division?Enquiring minds want to know.