Sorry--a little late am I to this discussion, so I suppose it's
been sorted out by now to everyone's satisfaction. But I'll add
this anyway:

Flt 1549 unique? Yes.

But as far as "miraculous" goes, I see no evidence of Divine
intervention. I would agree that a better prepared Captain, and a
finer spokesman, than Sullenberger would be rare indeed.

Bird strikes I've had were mostly a matter of recognition either in
real time or after the fact, and not something that could be
avoided. The target is too small and the speeds too great. And with
a ship full of people we don't start jinking on suspicion.

Bird strikes have been deadly in small, fast, very maneuverable
aircraft as well, so it's also not just a question of maneuverability.

I enjoy flying _with_ the birds in a sailplane, where the speeds
can be nearly matched, and I have a close up view of the real
masters of the sky at work. When I am at work, bird strikes are as
much a roll of the dice as almost anything else that can happen.

And the original poster's Q., "Why didn't he take immediate evasive
action?" is priceless indeed. Anytime I can snap in 4 or 5 g's,
I'll happily do it. Flying an airliner ain't one of those times.


Jack