This is a rough transcript of New York Fire Department communication for the early part of this accident, with annotations for those unfamiliar with FDNY vernacular.
1527hrs (appox.)- US Airways Airbus 320 struck birds just south of Fordham and Van Nest sections of the Bronx. [Editorial intro by the transcriber]
1529hrs- Bronx receiving numerous calls for an explosion from a commercial aircraft over the borough.
1530hrs- Bronx transmitted (2) boxes for an explosion from an aircraft. Bronx CO advising B/C's that Queens CO is in constant contact with Airport Tower and are monitoring the aircraft which is attempting to conduct an emergency landing. [CO is communications; B/C is battalion chief; box is a fire department response, which typically might be seven or eight engines (appliances). ]
1531hrs- Numerous reports to the USCG over Marine Ch. 16 of an aircraft down in the Hudson River north of the Intrepid, west of mid-river. NY Water Taxi's nearby and responding.
1532hrs- Manhattan transmitting box for a plane down in the Hudson River W. 50th st. X Hudson River.
1532hrs- R-1 urgent for plane down in the river. Marine 1 also transmitting Urgent for aircraft down and transmitting 10-60 Major Emergency. (2) NY Water Taxi ferries already on scene and removing victims. [R-1 is Rescue Squad 1]
1535hrs- Transmitting 10-60/2nd Alarm. PD and FD units commandeering vessels, including the Circle Line and responding to the aircraft. [2nd Alarm would be an additional 6 or 7 engines above those assigned on the initial alarm (box).]
1540hrs- NYPD Harbor, USCG, FDNY Marine 1A arriving. Units rpt numerous passengers 'standing on the wings.'