AFS-14-139-E February 4, 2014

Exemption No. 10925 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-1128

Ms. Judy Wells Parent of Emily Wells

127 NW 21 st Street

McMinnville, OR 97128

Dear Ms. Wells:

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 December 23, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Emily Wells for an exemption from § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Emily 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 Emily’s case, although she is currently17 years old, she will be over 18 years old before this exemption terminates, therefore 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 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 precedent and any delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Emily.2

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, 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 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, Emily Wells is granted an exemption from § 121.311(b). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while Emily 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 Emily’s parents or a caregiver accompanying her. Emily Wells may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind her. In addition, Emily’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, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/ John Barbagallo Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosure