The Flight Deck

It being nearly Christmas, and our host having told so many stories of flying recently, a joke came to mind and I thought I’d share.

Santa’s sleigh is considered an experimental aircraft by the FAA, and thus Santa gets to ensure a physical, inspection, and check ride every couple of years.

Well the time came, and Santa spent the day grooming the reindeer, oiling up the leather and polishing the brightwork on His Ride.  Everything was ready.

The FAA inspector shows up, gives Santa a physical — BP good, a little overweight, schedule optometrist appointment for excessive twinkle syndrome in left eye.

FAA guy checks the sleigh.  Kicking the runners, he determines they are firmly attached to the aircraft.  The harnesses gleam and are rated 1000lbs test, the reindeer all appear healthy and run up to rated horse, ummm, reindeer-power levels.  A common light meter proves Rudolph’s nose qualifies as both a marker and landing light.

Time for the flight test.  Santa gets in, straps in, starts going over the pre-flight check-list (On Donner!  “Check!”  On Blitzen!  “Check”)

The FAA guy gets in the passenger seat, stows a rifle next to him, and starts buckling himself in.

Santa stops his preflight, looks at the FAA guy, looks at the rifle, and with some resignation in his voice asks, “And what in the world is that for?”

The FAA guy glances around, winks conspiratorially, and replies, “Well, I’m not *supposed* to tell you this, but you’re going to lose an engine on take-off.”

Merry Christmas everybody!

-= Max =-