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This first issue of 2012 explores some of the resources available to help you in your initial quest for pilot certification, as well as the lifelong quest to improve your aeronautical knowledge. Feature articles show you how to leverage the information power of aviation regulations and handbooks as well as provide tips to help prepare for your next checkride and find an aviation school that's right for you. The January/February issue of FAA Safety Briefing is now available online atwww.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/. Check it out today!

THE NORTH POLE - Federal Aviation Administration (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. Information on NextGen is available at http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/.

December 21 - FAA overhauls the way commercial passenger airline pilots are scheduled to give them more rest before flying.

• Press Release
• Fact Sheet
• Final Rule (PDF)
• Regulatory Evaluation (PDF)

Following the FAA's well-attended Diversion Management Forum on Nov. 30, the agency is moving forward with several initiatives to improve communication between air traffic controllers, airport operators and airlines during severe weather events.

Starting this month, the FAA's national Command Center in Warrenton, VA will invite airports to participate in air traffic strategic planning and diversion information teleconferences if weather forecasts suggest diversion situations may develop. As part of this process, the FAA will also ask airlines to identify likely diversion airports, so those operators can be included in planning calls.

If a severe or widespread storm system is forecast, the FAA may also open up a dedicated diversion information teleconference line to enable air traffic, other agencies, airports and airlines to exchange real-time airport condition reports, information about available facilities and equipment and other issues related to diversion situations.

The FAA also is working with airports, airlines and aviation groups to organize regional diversion forums and create a small working group to continue the dialogue about managing diversion events more effectively. The regional forums will help share best practices for developing collaborative irregular operations contingency plans and will spread information about the new FAA initiatives.

Meanwhile, the FAA is taking immediate action to improve communications to the airlines and airports about equipment outages that may play a factor in diversion decisions.

December 15-Airports-they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small and sleepy, while others are abuzz with more activity than a hornet's nest. Despite the differences, airports can offer opportunities for education and enjoyment at all levels. In her article, "Venturing Further Afield," author and FAA Safety Briefing editor Susan Parson explores the many benefits of going "off the chart" when it comes to finding new places to park your airplane, not the least of which involves supporting our country's vital network of general aviation airports. Parson also touts the popularity of state-sponsored airport visitation programs as incentives for both students and "post-graduate" flyers looking to gain proficiency and/or earn higher certificates or ratings.

To view the article, see page 8 of the new November/December 2011 FAA Safety Briefing: www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2011/media/NovDec2011.pdf.