I am writing to request an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b)to the extent required for Timothy Gaynord to be able to use an FAAApproved Child Restraint System even though *he* exceeds theweight limits for the CRS. In addition, if my petition is granted, Irequest that any air carrier or commercial operator operating underpart 121 while Timothy is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemptionfrom 14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent necessary toallow Timothy to exceed the specified weight limit for anFAA-approved child restraint system during use of that childrestraint system aboard an aircraft.

I believe the pertinent section from 14 CFR part 121 from which weseek relief is Section 121.311 Seats, safety belts, and shoulderharnesses.

My *son* is 33 year’s old, weighs 85 pounds, and is60  inches tall. My **son**’s physicalcondition is as follows Muscular Dystrpohy. As a result of *his*physical condition, *he*needs the support and securityprovided by an FAA Approved Child Restraint, but because of  *his*weight is incapable of compliance with the regulation.  **Iam also submitting the following contact information:*****Thomas& Lisa Gaynord 33 Forest Glen Dr, Scranton, PA 18504.momg79@comcast.net***

I understand that the regulation is written to create a high levelof safety for each individual passenger by ensuring that they aresecurely restrained in their seats during all phases of flight. Theregulation also ensures that an individual does not cause harm toother passengers on the airplane by being thrown into them duringturbulent or emergency conditions.

I propose that (*name*) be allowed to occupy an FAAApproved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), eventhough *he*exceeds the manufacturer’s weight limits.This ensures a high level of safety for (Timothy and a high level ofsafety for the other passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, inTimothy’s case, safety is greatly enhanced by the extra supportand security that the FAA Approved Restraint System will provideduring the entire flight.

Enhancing safety for Timothy is in the public interest. Inaddition, the public interest is also served by the fact that the useof this FAA Approved Child Restraint System allows *him* touse commercial air transportation. Without the support and securityof the FAA Approved Child Restraint System, *he* would beunable to fly commercially.

I also believe that, with certain limitations established by theFAA in a grant to this petition, there can be an equivalent level ofsafety to that provided by the affected regulation. The CARESrestraint has been certified by the manufacturer for use by children22- 44 pounds. However, the components of the CARES restraint are thesame as those used in restraints for adults on aircraft and wouldmaintain their integrity if used by someone who weighed severalhundred pounds.

I believe that the limit of 44 pounds was established because,with the additional weight of the child attached to the seatback, theseatback would move forward more quickly in an accident scenario andthis might cause a higher HIC load for the person seated in the seatbehind the passenger using the CARES restraint (because the seatbackmoving forward more quickly would mean that it would not be there toattenuate the energy from the impact of the person seated behind theperson using the CARES restraint).

In order to achieve an equivalent level of safety as that providedby the affected regulation, I propose that the FAA establish alimitation in a grant to this petition that Timothy only sits in apassenger seat with no passenger seated behind him. Therefore, nounsafe condition would exist for a passenger seated behind Timothywhile *he* is using the CARES restraint. I also propose thatall operations under this exemption be conducted with at least one ofTimothy*’s* parents or a caregiver accompanying him orher. In addition, I propose that Timothy*’s* parent orcaregiver must carry a copy of this exemption.

I also request that the processing of this petition not be delayedfor publication and comment in the Federal Register. We want totravel July 28, 2015. If you take the time to put this in the FederalRegister, it will delay the process and we may not be able to travelin this timeframe.

If it is necessary to put a summary in the Federal Register, Isubmit the following:

This is a request for an exemption from FAR 121.311 (b) to theextent required for a child to use an FAA Approved Child RestraintSystem on an aircraft, even though the child exceeds the weightlimits for the CRS. Due to physical challenges, without the supportand security of this FAA Approved Child Restraint System, this childwould be unable to fly. We request that this child be allowed tooccupy an FAA Approved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured byAmSafe, Inc.), even though *he* exceeds the manufacturer’sweight limits of 44 pounds. In this case, the safety of this child isgreatly enhanced by the extra support and security that the FAAApproved Restraint System will provide for *him* during theflight.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.