AFS-12-109-E 

March 22, 2012 

 Exemption No. 10485 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-0209 

Ms. Danielle Tweed 

Parent of Ashelee Ryan 

749 Whitaker Street 

Sudbury, ON P3E 4B3 

Dear Ms. Tweed: 

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

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

date it ends. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter received February 21, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Ashelee Ryan for an exemption from § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Ashelee 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. 

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 precedent and any 

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

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 that addressed unique physical needs regarding safety, support, and security 
2 

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 

of exemption; 

 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 Ashelee Ryan an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b). 

In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while Ashelee is 

aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b) to the extent necessary 

to allow Ashelee 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 Ashelee's parents 

or a caregiver accompanying her. Ashelee Ryan may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind her. In addition, Ashelee’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, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John W. McGraw 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service 

Enclosure