A great news release from Transport Canada — the Jolly Elf is in flying form!

Santa ready to take flight

OTTAWA, Dec. 21 /CNW Telbec/ – Santa Claus passed his medical test with flying colours, announced Transport Canada today. Although his physician suggested he eat fewer cookies this holiday season, his blood pressure is fine and his eyesight is very good. Regular medical tests are part of the requirements that pilots need to meet to obtain and keep their licence.

Another requirement for pilots, including Santa Claus, is to show their flying ability and knowledge through a number of manoeuvres. This is done through a flight simulator test and/or a check ride. Santa Claus also passed this requirement.

A Transport Canada inspector travelled to the North Pole to conduct Santa’s check ride. Santa made sure the sleigh was washed and the reindeer were clean. The inspector checked the equipment by walking around the sleigh, checking the harnesses, the landing gear and even Rudolph’s nose. He also verified Santa’s logbook and made sure all of Santa’s paperwork was in order.

While his fire-engine-red sleigh is powered by nine reindeer, Santa has installed a new instrument panel for enhanced safety. Since the sleigh is certified by Transport Canada, the department approved modifications to the sleigh’s design, so Santa Claus can take advantage of newer technologies such as GPS, in case Rudolph’s nose malfunctions.

As a result of Santa passing his tests and getting his sleigh modifications certified, Transport Canada is pleased to announce that Santa Claus is ready to take flight this year.

For further information: Lucie Vignola, Communications, Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada; This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2006/21/c9699.html