WASHINGTON - Despite heightened security concerns, the U. S. Department of Transportation gave special clearance this week for Santa Claus to fly his sled through America's airspace for Christmas Eve.

Really.

The DOT put out an official memo authorizing Kris Kringle to "engage in air transportation to various points throughout the United States on the night of December 24-25, 2015."

The order noted that Santa has had a 100 percent on-time arrival record and only minor noise exposure due to "a clattering of hooves" on rooftops. It also said Santa recognizes heightened security concerns in the U. S., and that while he does not fly with an air marshal he will ask Rudolph to stay on high alert.

The U. S. government gave Santa a one-night waiver on aerospace restrictions so he might bring goodwill to communities throughout the country.

Pat Shingleton will have updates of Saint Nick's progress through the WBRZ Santa Tracks report on the air starting at 4 p.m.