U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

March 27, 2015 

Ms. Tara Hamlin 

Parent of Richard "Ricky" Hamlin II 

105 Unity Road 

Albion, ME 04910 

Dear Ms. Hamlin: 

Exemption No. 11 23 1 

800 Independence Ave . S W 

Washington. DC 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. F AA-20 15-0499 

This Jetter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter posted to the proper docket on February 27, 2015, you petitioned the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Richard "Ricky" Hamlin II for an exemption 

from § 121.311 (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations ( 14 CFR). That exemption, if 

granted, would allow Ricky to exceed the specified weight and/or height limit for an FAAapproved child restraint system (CAReS, manufactured by AmSafe Corporation) during use of 

that child restraint system (CRS) aboard a United States (U.S.) aircraft. 

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the f-ederal Register because the requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Ricky. 

The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 9834 (copy enclosed), the FAA 

found that numerous people with physical challenges had previously completed flights using 

restraint systems. 

The use of these restraint systems addressed unique physical needs regarding safety, support, 

and security in the same manner of operations as described in this petition. The FAA further 

found that the petition would not set any new precedents regarding the use of restraint systems 

by persons with disabilities. 

AFS-15-691-E 
2 

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that-

• they are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in the enclosed Grant 

of Exemption No. 9834; 

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 9834 also 

apply to the situation you present; and 

• a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Our Decision 

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(f), 40113 and 44701 , which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Richard "Ricky" Hamlin II an exemption 

·from § 121.311 (b). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 

121 while Ricky is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.3 I 1 (b) to 

the extent necessary to allow him to exceed the specified weight and/or limit for an FAAapproved CRS during use aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with Ricky's parent or a caregiver 

accompanying him. Richard "Ricky" Hamlin II may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind him. In addition, Ricky's parent or caregiver must carry a copy of 

this exemption and advise the air carrier about the contents of the exemption at least 48 hours 

before the date of each flight. 

This exemption terminates on March 31 , 2020, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

John S. Duncan 

Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures