Proposed changes to Salt Lake City's aviation rules, which would remove Santa Claus's exemption from minimum altitude rules, have left residents bemused.
The rules say that small aircraft must maintain an altitude of more than 610 metres while flying over the city.
However, in a bid to be more 'professional' the department of airports has removed Santa's exemption.
In the minds of some Salt Lake City residents, the change conjures up images of the famous curmudgeon from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol .
Executive director of the department of airports, Tim Campbell, says the panel is not staffed by a bunch of Scrooges, it is just trying to be modern and professional.
"We were updating the ordinance and this provision had not been looked at for a number of years," Mr Campbell said.
"Members of the panel felt it was just not appropriate," added Mr Campbell, who voted to retain the Santa exemption.
The Salt Lake City Council, which must approve the change, is not amused.
"I have a 4-year-old who still believes in Santa Claus," disappointed council man Carlton Christensen said.
The council is expected to vote on the proposed general aviation code changes next month.
Santa Claus could not be reached for comment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200409/s1197255.htm
The rules say that small aircraft must maintain an altitude of more than 610 metres while flying over the city.
However, in a bid to be more 'professional' the department of airports has removed Santa's exemption.
In the minds of some Salt Lake City residents, the change conjures up images of the famous curmudgeon from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol .
Executive director of the department of airports, Tim Campbell, says the panel is not staffed by a bunch of Scrooges, it is just trying to be modern and professional.
"We were updating the ordinance and this provision had not been looked at for a number of years," Mr Campbell said.
"Members of the panel felt it was just not appropriate," added Mr Campbell, who voted to retain the Santa exemption.
The Salt Lake City Council, which must approve the change, is not amused.
"I have a 4-year-old who still believes in Santa Claus," disappointed council man Carlton Christensen said.
The council is expected to vote on the proposed general aviation code changes next month.
Santa Claus could not be reached for comment.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200409/s1197255.htm
