u.s. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

September 22, 20 15 

Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Lumane Elmonis 

Parents of Emmanuel Elmonis 

5301 Sterling 

Raytown, MO 65133 

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Elmonis: 

Exemption No. 12967 

800 Independence Ave .. S W 

Washinglon. DC 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-3968 

This letter 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 dated posted to the docket on September 18, 2015, you petitioned the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Emmanuel Elmonis for an exemption from 

§ 121 .311 (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations ( 14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, 

would allow Emmanuel 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.)-registered aircraft. 

ln Emmanuel 's case, since he will be an adult before this exemption expires, an exemption 

must also be granted from the requirement in § 121.311 (b), that the individual be a "child." 

However, the reasons for requesting this exemption do not differ materially from those 

presented by 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 precedent and any 

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

AFS- 15-3994-E 
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. 

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The use of these restraint systems addressed unique physical needs regarding safety, supp01t, 

and security in the san1e 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. 

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 

ofExemption Nos. 7831 and 8264; 

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption Nos. 7831 

and 8264 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 Emmanuel Elmonis an exemption from 

§ 121 .311 (b). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 

while Emmanuel is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311 (b) to 

the extent necessary to allow him to exceed the specified weight and/or height limit for an 

FAA-approved CRS during use aboard a U.S.-registered aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with at least one of Emanuel's parents 

or a caregiver accompanying him. Emmanuel Elmonis may only occupy a passenger seat with 

no passenger seated behind him. In addition, Emmanuel'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. 
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This exemption tenninates on October 31 , 2020, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

ince ely ~ ~~Jk 

John Barbagallo 

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures