I am writing to request an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b) to the extent required to 

allow Gianni McLaurin to occupy a Child Restraint System (CRS) that is not certified 

for use in aircraft during all phases of flight, including movement on the surface, takeoff 

and landing. In addition, if my petition is granted, I request that any air carrier operating 

under part 121 while Gianni McLaurin is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption 

from 14 CFR § 121.311(b) and 121.311(c) to the extent necessary to allow Gianni 

McLaurin to occupy a CRS that is not certified for use in aircraft during all phases of 

flight, including movement on the surface, takeoff and landing

Gianni McLaurin is 8 year’s old, weighs 55 pounds, and is 43 inches tall. Gianni 

McLaurin’s physical condition is as follows: she suffers from Cytomegaloviral Disease, 

which inhibits her from being able to physically support herself, sit up, walk, or 

communicate effectively. As a result of her physical condition, she needs the support and 

security provided by an FAA Approved Child Restraint, but because of her weight is 

incapable of compliance with the regulation. I am also submitting the following contact 

information:

Parent/Guardian: Lynette Ward and Glenn McLaurin

Address: 1503A Patricia Drive, Yeadon, PA 19050

Email: tootie219@gmail.com

Make-A-Wish Coordiantor: Ashley Coyle

Address: 5 Valley Square, Suite 210, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Email: acoyle@philadelphia.wish.org

**PLEASE SEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO THIS CONTACT**

I understand that the regulation is written to create a high level of safety for each 

individual passenger by ensuring that they are securely restrained in their seats during all 

phases of flight. The regulation also ensures that an individual does not cause harm to 

other passengers on the airplane by being thrown into them during turbulent or 

emergency conditions.

I propose that Gianni McLaurin be allowed to occupy a Britax Traveler Plus CRS. 

Although the Britax Traveler Plus isn't certified for use on aircraft, it meets Federal 

Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 for use of child restraint systems in motor 

vehicles. The Traveler Plus is manufactured by Britax, a car seat manufacturer. It is 

specifically designed to safely support and transport a child.

The Traveler Plus will be securely strapped in the passenger seat of the aircraft using the 

existing lap belt of the aircraft. The lap belt's original functionality will be used as the 

primary means of occupant restraint. The Traveler Plus will be placed in the window seat 

such that it will not restrict access to or use of any required emergency or regular exit, or 

of the aisle in the passenger cabin. The Traveler Plus will also not obstruct any 

passenger’s view of the “fasten seat belt” sign, “no smoking” sign or any required exit 

sign. 
This ensures a high level of safety for Gianni McLaurin and a high level of safety for the 

other passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, in Gianni McLaurin’s case, safety is 

greatly enhanced by the extra support and security that the FAA Approved Restraint 

System will provide during the entire flight.

Enhancing safety for Gianni McLaurin is in the public interest. In addition, the public 

interest is also served by the fact that the use of this FAA Approved Child Restraint 

System allows her to use commercial air transportation. Without the support and security 

of this Child Restraint System, she would be unable to fly commercially.

I also propose that all operations under this exemption be conducted with at least one of 

Gianni McLaurin’s parents or a caregiver accompanying him or her. In addition, I

propose that Gianni McLaurin’s parent or caregiver must carry a copy of this exemption.

I also request that the processing of this petition not be delayed for publication and 

comment in the Federal Register. We want to travel 5/2/15 – 5/8/2015. If you take the 

time to put this in the Federal Register, it will delay the process and we may not be able 

to travel in this timeframe.

I believe that the FAA issued a grant of exemption in circumstances similar in all 

material respects to those presented in my petition. In Grant of Exemption 8264, the 

FAA found that it would be in the public interest and would provide a level of safety 

equivalent to that provided under the regulation.

The FAA also found that numerous persons, afflicted by disabilities similar to (name),

such as the person described in Grant of Exemption No. 8264, have previously completed 

flights using CRS that have not been certified for use on aircraft.

I believe that my reasons for requesting an exemption do not differ materially from those 

presented by the petitioner in Grant of Exemption 8264. In addition, I believe that the 

reasons stated by the FAA for granting that exemption also apply to the situation I

present.

If it is necessary to put a summary in the Federal Register, I submit the following:

This is a request for an exemption from FAR 121.311 (b) to the extent required to allow a 

child to occupy a CRS that is not certified for use in aircraft during all phases of flight, 

including movement on the surface, takeoff and landing. Due to physical challenges, 

without the support and security of this Child Restraint System, this child would be 

unable to fly. Additionally, we request that any air carrier operating under part 121 would 

be granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) and 121.311(c)(2)(iv) to 

the extent necessary to allow this child to occupy a CRS that is not certified for use in 

aircraft during all phases of flight, including movement on the surface, takeoff and 

landing. In this case, the safety of this child is greatly enhanced by the extra support and

security that this Child Restraint System will provide during the flight.