Erika Armstrong, the force behind A Chick in the Cockpit, recently posted Santa’s approach plate to LinkedIn, noting: “Okay pilots, here’s a copy of Santa’s approach plate. He’s probably not legal to fly…he only shoots one approach per year and he’s not night current.
“No landings in the last 90 days,” she continues. “Is there an MEL for that sleigh and reindeer (systems and powerplant)? Single pilot resource management? Is he current on Deice procedures? What’s the VDP with a sleigh? RVSM? FANS? ADS-B equipped? EFB up to date? O2 system? Who is his POI? OSHA? Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program? Oh my, it’s best not to fly with Santa…
NOTAMS – Frequency changes for the airfield – 122.40 { date 12/24 }
and runway should be towards the north returning to the runway so RNAV (GPS) RWY 36.
Not being well schooled in grid navigation, I would think the final approach course should be lined up with international date line. I would think he has to start at the international date line out bound and return at the end of the 24 hour mission.
I hope he is doing his rusty pilot ICP to get ready for the big night.