Even the FAA has a sense of humor...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APA 167-97
December 19, 1997
Contact: Paul Takemoto
Phone: 202-267-8521
Embargoed Until Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m.--FAA APPROVES FLIGHT PLAN FOR ST. NICHOLAS
WASHINGTON - St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, has received Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) approval to conduct unlimited U.S. flight operations on Dec. 25. A special
amendment to the open skies agreements reached between the United States and 28 foreign
nations gives Santa automatic landing rights in those countries as well, with all taxes and fees
waived.
Santa's aircraft - a fire engine-red sleigh angled to provide the necessary lift for the expected
heavy cargo, and equipped with twin runners that have remarkable aerodynamic qualities - was
cleared to fly by a special on-site FAA inspection team at the North Pole. Inspectors found the
sleigh to be in perfect working order - despite being approximately 16 centuries old.
Technological advancements have enabled the sleigh to be equipped with state-of-the-art
equipment, including an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, a Traffic Alert and Collision
Avoidance System (TCAS) transponder, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The GPS
receiver - with FAA enhancements -- will allow Santa to pinpoint his exact location within one meter
100 percent of the time, thus ensuring that he won't erroneously navigate to the houses of children
who have been naughty, not nice.
Ms. Claus, an avionics engineer by trade, was responsible for adapting the equipment to the sleigh
and making sure it works properly. Ground maintenance and baggage handling will be conducted by
the elves.
Engine thrust, as always, will be provided by nine reindeer led by Rudolph. Rudolph's red nose,
which serves as a beacon visible in inclement weather, including snow and heavy fog, has also
been found to contain weather sensors capable of detecting - and allowing Santa to avoid -
potentially dangerous conditions.
# # #
An electronic version of this news release is available via
the World Wide Web at: www.faa.gov |
