Not far from my home on the Front Range in Colorado, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will be tracking Santa Claus next week from their base in Colorado Springs. Santa and his eight tiny reindeer do not have to clear Customs at a port of entry or get a friendly holiday TSA pat-down but he is not completely exempt from security measures. NORAD reports a Canadian fighter jet “verifies” Santa’s identity upon entering North American airspace and ensures he’s on his planned flight path. Perhaps this procedure sets a precedent for future General Aviation security programs!
You can follow Santa’s progress at www.noradsanta.org. The FAA also has a resource at www.faa.gov/santa. Personally I’d keep an eye on the jolly fat man in the red suit because his airway-to-chimney approaches are not on any chart or GPS. If a car/deer collision can be catastrophe, I can only imagine what 8 of those buggers would do. Tiny or not, they’re pulling a plump guy in a sled. It’s bound to be bad.
Of course while many of us are preparing for a big holiday season, there are people and creatures in need of care and comfort. In lieu of holiday cards for clients and colleagues, MAC has made a donation to DC’s Food & Friends program, which provides men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses with specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutritional counseling. MAC’s office assistant Heidi (a lovable Border Collie / Husky mix) put in a special request for another donation to the Dumb Friends League, a humane animal rescue in the Denver area that places thousands of dogs, cats, and horses in loving homes every year.
If you celebrate Hanukkah and the Menorah is already packed away until next year, I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. If you are still anticipating your winter holiday – Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve/Day, or another holiday – I wish you a safe and fun time with your friends and family!
I have a good feeling about 2014. Let’s make it a great year! See you in January.
Happy Holidays from McFarren Aviation Consulting!
McFarren Aviation Safety News 