04.01.24 Aero-News April 1 Special Edition (Classic)

Saying the 2009 downing of a US Airways Airbus A320 following an inflight  encounter with geese was "an avian tragedy unprecedented in the course of modern human events," on Monday the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed suit in US District Court of New York against the airline for the "unwarranted slaughter, fricasseeing, slicing, dicing, julienning and barbequeing of at least four Canadian Geese."

"It's unconscionable such a tragedy has been lauded by the media, our elected officials -- even the President! -- as an inspiring event," PETA added. "What's more, we fear such popular support will only spur other pilots to attempt copycat acts."

The animal rights organization is seeking $250,000 in damages, as well as a formal apology from Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles.

PETA added, "if a deal must be made, we can do without the apologies."

In related news, a major cereal company announced special honorary packaging of one of its popular breakfast cereals, in honor of the 15th anniversary of Flight 1549.

Instead of the legendary "Wheaties" box, however, the crew will grace the fronts of economy-size boxes of "Shredded Tweet."

FMI: www.peta.org, www.usairways.com