SANTA CLEARED FOR TAKE-OFF

I am pleased to report that, just moments ago, FAA chief Randy Babbitt cleared Santa Claus for his traditional round-the-world holiday mission.

Said Babbitt: "Santa and his crew have always shown extraordinary professionalism. I'm certain they'll pull off this year's flight without a hitch."

The public is invited to follow Santa's progress on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org via NORAD's famous SantaCams.

During the North Pole International Airport (NPIA) 90-minute check flight, Santa demonstrated precision execution of the pinpoint rooftop landing and takeoff maneuvers his extensive delivery manifest and single-night constraint require.

Babbitt also pronounced the sleigh's onboard equipment to be in tip-top operating condition, including the following systems:

• Deicing
• Reindeer propulsion
• Navigation
• Grinch/Heat-Miser avoidance system

Critically, Babbitt also verified Santa's crew manifest to ensure enough elves would be available to relieve Santa for proper pilot rest periods.