Sir - While awaiting with interest the outcome of the GE90 bird-ingestion test, I note that many newspapers persist in referring to the object ingested as a turkey.
The original requirement listed in both military and civil specifications called for a bird of approximately the same size and weight as turkey, but identified as a goose, more specifically, a Canada goose.
The rationale identifying a Canada goose was derived from its migatory habits, particularly along the east and west coasts of the USA, plus the fact that the bird has been observed at heights of more than 15,000ft (4,600m). All of this, I believe, will make little impact on the GE90 team, who, I am sure, will "bring home the turkey".
D F NEWLAND
Watford, Hertfordshire, UK
Source: Flight International