AFS-14-334-E 

June 30, 2014 

 Exemption No. 11017 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0401 

Ms. Ausra York 

Parent of Rachele York 

4560 North Hidden Oaks Way 

Crystal River, FL 34428 

Dear Ms. York: 

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for an 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 dated June 18, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Rachele York for an exemption from § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal 

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

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 

in the same manner of operations as described in this petition. The FAA further found that the 

petition would not set any new precedent regarding the use of restraint systems by persons 

with disabilities. 

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I find that— 
2 

 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 Rachele York an exemption from 

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

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

extent necessary to allow her to use an FAA-approved CRS aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

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

or a caregiver accompanying her. Rachele York may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind her. In addition, Rachele’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 July 31, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosure