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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
APA 151-98 
December 22, 1998 
Contact: Kathryn Creedy 
Phone: 202-267-8521 

WASHINGTON-The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared Santa Claus for his annual Christmas flight after certifying his fire-engine red sleigh.  Registered in the North Pole as NP-HoHoHo, the sleigh is an all-metal sleigh-craft powered by nine reindeer. In a bid for safer landings at tropical destinations, Santa added retractable landing gear to the aerodynamic twin runners that are his normal landing gear. 

Earlier this month, FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation approved the launch of 15 special cargo satellites, which are now in geosynchronous orbit around the world.  The satellites are a response to the 1990s baby boom and are supplied with enough presents to periodically replenish Santa's sleigh. 

In a formal presentation, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey commended Santa, aka St. Nicholas, for his dedication to safety and noted his accident-free record after 16 centuries of service. "Your work is a model for aging aircraft programs," she told the world's best known philanthropist.  "And your commitment to safety is second to none. Your vast experience in safely operating over-the-pole flights is setting the standard for aviation worldwide." 

After careful analysis, inspectors declared safe the special oat and corn meal mixture, which enables reindeer to fly.  Santa reminded them the information was proprietary.  He was issued a fuel waiver as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph looked on. 

FAA also inspected the cargo loading and pallets aboard the sleigh and pronounced the elves consummate professionals in being able to pack so much into such a small space, secure it, and still maintain the proper weight and balance for the sleigh-craft. However, they were seen walking away muttering something about it being magic. 

The FAA also cleared the sleigh for all-weather operations when it certified special flight equipment designed to ensure the completion of the flight regardless of weather.  Rudolph, with his nose so bright, is now set to guide Santa's sleigh that night.  The sleigh is also equipped with an in-flight deicing system specially designed for polar routes. 

The flight, known to air traffic controllers as Kringle One, requires special international clearances. The FAA has coordinated its efforts with its international counterparts around the world.  Dubbed the Santa Pact, the international agreement grants automatic landing rights and waives fees worldwide. In addition, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be issued December 24 to ensure maximum see-and-avoid efforts.  The flight plan calls for the flight to begin the evening of December 24 and proceed westward in order to take advantage of time zones and to maintain the cover of darkness. 

The FAA was pleased to discover the sleigh already met regulations requiring the Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS), addressing the top priority on the agency's safety agenda - the elimination of controlled flight into terrain.  The TAWS equipment is especially important for the flight level below the regulated 1,000-foot minimum altitude required for Santa's flight. Avionics include a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) transponder, not currently required for cargo sleigh-craft. Also on board is a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver allowing Santa to pinpoint his exact landing site within one meter. Santa expects this to eliminate delivery mistakes. 

All seat belts were tested including the special seat belt extension needed to accommodate the Jolly Old Elf.  "It's all those cookies," he sheepishly told inspectors.  Santa's flight manual calls for the use of seat belts at all times to avoid turbulence-related injuries. 

"The entire agency stands ready with its international partners to make sure Santa's flight is as safe and efficient as possible," said Garvey.