AFS-12-317-E 

April 20, 2012 

 Exemption No. 10512 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-0404 

Ms. Cathy Houston 

Parent of Luke Shaffer 

9450 Macie Loop 

Hayden, ID 83835 

Dear Ms. Houston: 

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 April 6, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of Luke Shaffer 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 Luke Shaffer 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 Luke Shaffer. 

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 
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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 Luke Shaffer exemption from 

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

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

14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent necessary to allow Luke Shaffer 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 

Luke Shaffer’s parents or a caregiver accompanying him. Luke Shaffer may only occupy a 

passenger seat with no passenger seated behind him. In addition, Luke Shaffer’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 May 31, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John S. Duncan 

Deputy Director, Flight Standards 

 Service 

Enclosure