Created Saturday, Dec 24th 2022 00:02Z, last updated Saturday, Dec 24th 2022 00:02Z
The elves sighed out loud, the annual routine had them again and the FAA inspector was knocking on their door to "invite" Santa, his sleigh and his reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, Blixem as well as Rudolph for the annual test routine in order to issue the overflight permit on holy eve. They advised the inspector that Rudolph, the navigator, had taken ill and his navigation skills were not fully up to speed. And in fact, Rudolph's nose wasn't showing its usual red light illuminating the scene.
The inspector had no time though, he needed to return home as quickly as possible and insisted the test flight to take place right away. Santa was moaning, Rudolph was moaning, the reindeer collegues were moaning as they readied the sleigh for the test flight. Santa, after having a suspicious look at the inspector and what might be hidden under his coat, had an idea and instructed the inspector to operate the radio and to take over navigation to relieve Rudolph. The inspector happily accepted. The sleigh was prepared, the supporting ground elves signalled all ready and clear, all reindeer took their positions and reported ready for departure.
The inspector thus radioed to North Pole ground control: "North Pole Ground, Santa Test Flight, request taxi for a quick round trip to Fairbanks!" Without batting an eyelid the ground controller elf issued his clearance: "Santa Test Flight, North Pole ground, Taxi to Fairbanks and back is waiting for you in front of the FBO office!"
The inspector's head turned red like Rudolph's nose usually would be and illuminated the scene showing all the reindeer, Santa and the supporting ground elves on the floor laughing and unable to perform their duties. The inspector signed the test flight off nonetheless, issued the required overflight permit and left in a hurry. After a short recovery phase Santa and his reindeer were able to start for their annual journey to deliver all the presents.
Sarah and I, this time celebrating Christmas in England, wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2023.
Previous Santa Stories:
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2021, hail strike
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2020, the smoking gun
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2019, engine not shot down in flight
Santa B20J at North Pole on Dec 24th 2018, rejected takeoff due to lack of navi
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2017, sneezing engine
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2016, smoke in cockpit
Santa SSLH at North Pole on Dec 24th 2015, engine shot down on takeoff
