AFS-12-540-E 

October 10, 2012 

 Exemption No. 10638 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-1030 

Ms. Sarah Ramthun 

Parent of Nolan Ramthun 

1735 11th Street 

Manson, IA 50563 

Dear Ms. Ramthun: 

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

decision, explains its basis, and lists the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter received September 18, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Nolan Ramthun for an exemption from § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) of Title 14, 

Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Nolan to 

exceed the specified weight limit for an FAA-approved child restraint system (CAReS, 

manufactured by AmSafe Corporation) during use of that child restraint system (CRS) aboard 

a United States (U.S.) aircraft. 

In Nolan’s case, only his height exceeds manufacturer’s limits. However, the reasons for 

requesting this exemption do not differ materially from those presented by the other 

petitioners, and the reasons stated by the FAA for granting other exemptions also apply to the 

situation you present. 

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

in the Federal Register because the requested exemption would not set a 
2 

precedent and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Nolan. 

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

those presented in your petition. In Grants of Exemption Nos. 7831 and 8264 (copies 

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, if granted, would not set 

any new precedents regarding the use of restraint systems by persons with disabilities. 

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

 they do not differ materially from those presented by the petitioner in the enclosed grant. 

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed exemption 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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I hereby grant Nolan Ramthun exemption from 

14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating 

under part 121 while Nolan is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent necessary to allow Nolan to exceed the specified 

weight limit for an FAA-approved CRS during use of that CRS aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with at least one of Nolan’s parents or 

a caregiver accompanying him. Nolan Ramthun may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind him. In addition, Nolan’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 October 31, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

Raymond Towles 

Acting Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosure