No. H144/11
For release - December 23, 2011
OTTAWA — Transport Canada is pleased to announce that Santa has passed all his required pre-flight tests and is ready to make his deliveries again this year. Despite a flurry of last-minute activity to make sure all of his seriously fun cargo (SFC) was safely and securely loaded onto his sleigh, Santa Claus and his reindeer are expected to leave the North Pole on time and with all toys on board.
As part of his preparations, Santa passed the regular medical tests required for all pilots who want to get and keep their licence. According to Mrs. Claus, Santa’s been very busy and has managed to burn off some excess calories while working with his elves on the huge amount of toys requested this year. She sent us this text message today from the North Pole:
“I’m very happy Santa has passed these latest tests. I made sure he focused on his tasks, not emptying the cookie jar or surfing the Web too much, lol. He’s right on schedule and really pumped about his annual trip around the world to deliver toys.”
Happily, Santa also passed the test to demonstrate his flying ability and knowledge. Like all pilots, he must pass this test using a flight simulator or with a check ride where a pilot inspector rides along. So this morning, at the Transport Canada hangar at the Ottawa International Airport, Santa Claus switched off his mobile device and successfully completed a series of takeoffs and landings with the help of his very fit reindeer.
Earlier this month, a Transport Canada inspector travelled to the North Pole to inspect Santa’s sleigh and its safety system. The inspector checked the harnesses, landing gear and state-of-the-art equipment, and reminded Santa about the importance of just saying no to a pre-flight nip of rum and eggnog. He was also reminded how important it is for pilots to get some rest and do detailed pre-flight checks that include looking for ice buildups and informing all crew and passengers about safety measures.
In addition, Santa’s gift bag — full of presents for boys and girls — was checked using the latest screening technology to ensure it is secure and ready for delivery.
Now that Santa has passed his medical and flight tests, and the cargo is secured, he is once again ready to take to the skies safely. Millions of children can sleep easy knowing that Santa is fully prepared to make his most important trip of the year this holiday season!
Boys and girls can follow Santa as he makes his way across the planet, through the NORAD Tracks Santa website at www.noradsanta.org/, and through Google Maps and Google Earth.
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Contacts:
Pierre Floréa
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel,
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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