Minister Garneau clears Santa for Christmas Eve flight in Canadian airspace
News release
Newly licensed Mrs. Claus to join Santa as co-pilot for this year's flight
December 20, 2018 Ottawa Transport Canada
Transport Canada is pleased to announce that Minister Garneau has cleared Santa Claus for take-off for this year's round-the-world flight to deliver presents to millions of good boys and girls everywhere.
Minister Garneau also confirmed that this year's delivery mission will include a special co-pilot - Mrs. Claus!
Mrs. Claus has always had a passion for flying and has been taking intensive pilot training. She just recently obtained her commercial pilot's license so she can now accompany Santa as co-pilot for this year's flight.
While reviewing this year's pre-flight checklist with Mrs. Claus, Minister Garneau stressed how important it is for her, Santa and the reindeer to get adequate rest and to avoid consuming alcohol or drugs to ensure that everyone is #FitToFly on this very important mission.
Earlier this month, Transport Canada inspectors travelled to the North Pole to inspect Santa's sleigh and its safety systems. The inspectors checked the landing gear and the reindeer harnesses, as well as the communications and navigation systems. Rudolph's nose was tested to make sure that it is operating at maximum brightness. In addition, Santa's gift bag full of presents was checked using the latest screening technology to ensure it is secure and ready for delivery.
While at the North Pole, the inspectors also had the opportunity to visit Santa's recently completed drone testing facility where they observed the elves piloting gift delivery drones, a new technology that Santa is exploring for future Christmas deliveries.
Additional multimedia
Mrs. Claus and Santa are cleared to be in Canadian airspace!
"I am pleased to clear Santa and Mrs. Claus for flight in Canadian airspace. Now that Santa and Mrs. Claus have passed all of their required pre-flight tests and inspections, their paperwork is in order and their flight plan has been filed, children across Canada and around the world can sleep tight knowing that Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready and cleared to take to the skies safely this Christmas Eve. I am especially thrilled to congratulate Mrs. Claus on getting her pilot's license. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in aviation is a priority for me and my department and Mrs. Claus will make a great role model in helping us accomplish this."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport
Quick facts
Santa would like to remind Canadians to keep drones inside after dark. A drone could easily spook the reindeer or worse, cause a collision with Santa's sleigh or other aircraft. Everyone who asked for a drone this holiday season needs to learn the rules of the skies before flying for the first time. Check out the safety rules at Canada.ca/drone-safety. Failure to fly safe could see your name added to Santa's Naughty List!
Pointing a laser at Santa, Mrs. Claus or the reindeer is #NotABrightIdea. Laser attacks can temporarily blind, disorient and distract the flight crew, putting all the people on board the sleigh at serious risk.
Again this year, Santa took the pledge to Leave the Phone Alone and will not respond to text messages or calls while piloting the sleigh. To stay in touch, you can track him, Mrs. Claus and the reindeer on the NORAD Tracks Santa website and #NORADSanta hashtag.
