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FAA Administrator Babbitt clears Santa for annual mission

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.

Strengthening air passenger protections the right thing to do

I've talked a lot on this blog about airline consumer protections. Well, today we announced a new rule that significantly strengthens those protections.

This rule sets a hard time limit for passengers stuck on the tarmac. After that limit, U.S. airlines must allow passengers on domestic flights to go back to the terminal.

Airline passengers have rights, and airlines have the obligation to respect those rights. Passengers want--and deserve--to be treated fairly, and these new rules will require airlines to do just that.

What does the new rule do?

• U.S. airlines operating domestic flights must let passengers off the plane after remaining on the tarmac for more than three hours.
• Reasonable exceptions are allowed for safety or security or if air traffic control advises the pilot in command that returning to the terminal would disrupt airport operations.
• Carriers are required to provide adequate food and potable drinking water for passengers within two hours of the aircraft being delayed on the tarmac and to maintain operable lavatories and, if necessary, provide medical attention.

The holiday gift on everyone's list? Employer policies against distracted driving

It's been a challenging year for Americans, and I think they deserve a truly valuable bonus: a distracted driving policy from their employers.

• In October, President Obama gave one to Federal government employees.
• Last week, Chrysler gave one to its employees.
• Two days ago, Governor Steve Beshear gave one to Kentucky's state employees.
• Yesterday, the New York City Taxicab Commission gave an even tougher policy to cabbies.

Who's next?