It was Christmas Eve, and an FAA Flight Examiner (FE) was visiting at the house of one of his longtime Air Force pilot buddies. It was getting late, and while talking, they heard a noise on the roof. Much to their surprise, Santa crawled out of the fireplace. As he began to unload some gifts from his bag, both pilots stared in disbelief.

Finally, the flight examiner gained some composure and asked, "Are you really Santa Claus?"

The somewhat portly fellow in the red suit tersely replied, "Yes, I'm really Santa Claus - and I'm REALLY too busy to talk right now - I have lots of work left to do tonight."

The FE began to frown. "Santa, I don't think you have ever been licensed and certified by the FAA, and you really should have that taken care of. I can give you a check flight in only few minutes."

Santa retorted, "Sonny, this is Christmas Eve. I'm just too busy for that kind of foolishness. I've been flying my sleigh long before you were even born. I think I have the hang of it."

The FE responded, "Well, you really are operating illegally, and that does not set a good example for children, does it? A flight exam will only take a moment, and then you're covered."

"OK, if you can do it real fast, then meet me on the roof in a minute," said Santa.

The FE left the room, Santa finished his work, wished the other pilot a Merry Christmas, then disappeared up the chimney.

The FE was sitting in the sleigh when Santa arrived, and as he sat down, he looked at the FE in puzzlement. "I understand you wanting to do a quick exam, but what is the shotgun for?"

The FE smiled, "Well, I figured I give you a couple of engine failures on takeoff and see how you handled it."