Satellite-Based System Improves Efficiency For The Jolly Old
Elf
FAA safety inspectors have given the thumbs-up for the
reindeer-powered sleigh known as Santa One to fly on Christmas Eve
so Santa Claus can deliver presents to children around the world.
The approval came after a thorough inspection of the aircraft at
the North Pole. “The satellite-based technology the elves
have installed on Santa One will ensure that Santa stays safe and
reaches all of his rooftops on time,” said U.S.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “As a result of this
improved technology, Santa will be able to deliver more presents to
more children around the world.”
Santa One, which will cruise at an altitude of 50,000 feet
– far higher than commercial aircraft – will be able to
fly faster, more efficient routes from cruising altitude to
rooftops.
Special, gumdrop-enhanced avionics installed in Rudolph’s
red nose will make it 10 times brighter, allowing the elves to
track Santa One even during the type of heavy snowfall expected
this Christmas. Elves in an air traffic control tower on the top of
the North Pole will keep Santa One safely separated from other
aircraft using Candy Cane Satellite Surveillance-Broadcast, an
enhancement of the FAA’s satellite-based system called
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast.
The faster routes are much better for the environment because
the team of nine reindeer will consume fewer carrots this Christmas
Eve. In the past, each of the nine reindeer has consumed an average
of 24 pounds of carrots per hour during the 10-hour voyage, with
Rudolph consuming 28 to 30 pounds. The improved efficiency means
reindeer will consume 1,080 fewer pounds of carrots this year. The
trickle-down effect is expected to benefit the Easter Bunny.
The expected increase in present delivery has also improved the
economy at the North Pole, since more elves are needed to make the
gifts. The upward trend in gift-giving has, in turn, driven up
hiring by 50 percent.
Children and families interested in learning more about how
NextGen is helping Santa deliver toys with greater precision and
reliability may visit the Santa One Story at www.faa.gov/santa. The website
features fun and interactive information on the different ways
Santa is benefitting from NextGen, educational puzzles,
Santa’s approved flight plan and a link to track his
Christmas Eve voyage.
NextGen, in its simplest terms, is a new air traffic control
system being implemented by the FAA to help all aircraft –
especially Santa One – fly from Point A to Point B faster and
more safely than ever before. The purpose of NextGen is to ensure
passengers arrive at their destinations safely and on time –
just as Santa will do on Christmas Eve.