AVIATION/ "MIRACLE ON THE HUDSON" AIRBUS ON WAY TO NEW HOME

The US AIRWAYS Airbus A320, involved in the infamous Hudson River water landing in 2009, began its long journey to its new home yesterday. The aircraft was rolled out of a warehouse in Harrison, New Jersey, on Saturday and transported on the back of a huge truck across the Passaic River. From there it began the trek to a North Carolina museum where it will become a piece of American history. Accompanied by a convoy of police cars and film crews, the damaged A320 eased out of the warehouse lot where it has sat since the water landing in January 2009 made its Pilot, Captain Chesley Sullenberger, a national hero. US Airways Flight 1549 was bound for Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 15, 2009, when it struck a flock of geese after takeoff  from New York La Guardia, and lost power in both engines. The crew considered trying to land at nearby Teterboro Airport in New Jersey but quickly realized, they would not make it. Sullenberger then made the decision to land the aircraft in the frigid waters of the Hudson River. Within minutes, rescue boats and commuter ferries arrived and eventually rescued all 155 passengers and crew onboard. The incident became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson". This time, on land, the plane's trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Carolinas Aviation Museum is expected to take about a week. The Museum president said the journey will take so long because the 120 foot long plane must take back roads to avoid obstacles such as toll booths, bridges and overpasses. The wings are being shipped separately. Sullenberger is scheduled to speak at a reception at the museum on June 11 after the plane has arrived. Other flight crew members and some of the passengers onboard Flight 1549, are also expected to attend. Once the Airbus is reassembled, visitors to the Museum will be able to tour the inside of the aircraft, which has been preserved largely as it was on the day of its final flight.