My friends and relatives have remarked about the A320 aircraft ditching in the Hudson River on January 16.  Everybody seems to have mixed emotions about the accident; wonder at the crew’s quick thinking and skill on one hand, and amazement that (purportedly), a flock of birds could cause a serious accident which jeopardized the lives of 155 passengers and crew.

This is not the first time that birds have caused a serious incident in the vicinity of airports, but in recent times, it is the most remarkable.  Whilst, the scenario of a flock of birds causing a double engine failure is still a rare event, it is never the less one which may have catastrophic consequences.

In Australia, CASA no longer employs an ornithologist.  Quite reasonably, management of bird hazards is left to the individual airports.  Generally, the airports do this successfully, however, in my experience; a number of bird strikes are still reported.  Of concern however, is the apparent lack of a person to nationally oversight bird strikes; to log national trends and in consultation with the airport operators develop appropriate responses.

Finally, the ditching into the Hudson, demonstrates excellent airmanship, skill and a sense of self-less chivalry.  It is reported that the Captain walked the isles of the aircraft to ensure that no one was left behind before boarding the rescue craft.  Whilst this is taught in training, the enormity of that seemingly easy task following a physically and emotionally exhausting few minutes cannot be over emphasized.  Well done Captain Sullenberger!