0–5 years             Yearling                Basic flying lessons, strength       Stay close to herd, light duty                                                                 development, team behavior.       (holiday parades, local flights).

   6–15 years           Junior Glider        First official flights, agility              Some are scouted early for                                                                   training, low-risk missions             natural gifts (e.g., navigation,                                                                                                                     endurance, speed).

   16–29 years        Apprentice Flier    Advanced courses in sleigh           Assigned to auxiliary and test                                                                handling, extreme weather           sleighs. Possible selection for                                                                navigation, night flying, rooftop     backup/secondary roster.                                                                     landing protocols.                          handling, extreme weather                                                                                                                          navigation, night flying, roof                                                                                                                        top landing protocols.

    30–90 years        Elite Flier                Primary sleigh team member;       Specialize: Lead, Flanker,                                                                     responsible for global Christmas   Puller, Rear Guide. Eligible                                                                   Eve delivery, high-speed and        for decorated honors (e.g.,                                                                   stealth flying, long-haul stamina.   Frostvine Medal for brav-                                                                                                                           ery).      

    91–120 years   Senior Flier / Mentor Rotate off primary team. Train       Might take honorary roles                                                                      yearlings and juniors, lead drills,   (Festival Grand Marshal,                                                                      assist in route planning and           Flight Academy Speaker).                                                                    magical weather studies.

   121–150 years   Elder of the                Advisory role to Santa and            Occasionally honored with                                 Reindeer Council      the Chief Elf on herd welfare,         with ceremonial "Last                                                                           new recruit selection, and              Flight" event during Winter                                                                   historical preservation.                   Solstice Festival

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🦌 Specializations during Career

Specialization           Description

Lead Navigator         Expert at magical guidance through storms, fog, northern lights.

Weather Specialist    Reads snow patterns, senses atmospheric magic shifts.

Strength Puller          Trained for heavy load-bearing and team stabilization.

Speed Runner            Specializes in high-velocity sprints across long distances.

Urban Courier            Master of rooftop hopping, low-altitude maneuvering in crowded cities.

First Responder         Emergency flyer for stranded sleighs or urgent deliveries.

(Each Elite Flier usually cross-trains in at least two specialties!)

🎯 Fast Summary

• Training starts at birth — flying by instinct.
• First small missions by 6 years old.
• Elite flyers selected in their late 20s or early 30s.
• Peak service from 30 to 90 years.
• Mentorship and leadership in later life.

📜 Cultural Touches

• First Flight Ceremony at age 5: the yearlings take their first official flight around the North Pole village, with families and elves watching.
• Flight Feathers: a symbolic badge given when a Junior Glider graduates to Apprentice Flier.
• North Wind Honor Roll: a hall of fame where retired Elite Fliers are celebrated every year.
• Silver Harness Award: bestowed upon a reindeer who has completed 50+ Christmas Eve runs.
• Last Flight Tradition: at retirement, an Elder Flier makes a ceremonial low pass over Christmas Village during Winter Solstice as a farewell to active duty.