U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

December 9, 20 14 

Exemption No. 11117 

600 Independence Ave .. S W 

Washington. D.C 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. F AA-20 14-0956 

Ms. Susanna Guzman 

Daughter of Helen Guzman 

17101 La Cantera Parkway Apartment 7403 

San Antonio, TX 78256 

Dear Ms. Guzman: 

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 posted November 14, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Helen Guzman for an exemption from § 12l.31 l(b) of Title 14, Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Helen to exceed the 

specified weight and/or height 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 Helen's case, since she is an adult, an exemption must also be granted fi·om the requirement 

in § 121.3 11 (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 Helen. 

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. 

AFS-15-159-E 
2 

The use of these restrai nt systems 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 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 Nos. 7831 and 8264; 

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption Nos. 783 I 

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. §§ I 06(t), 40 II 3 and 44 70 I, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Helen Guzman an exemption from 

§ 12 1.3 11 (b). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 

while Helen is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption fi·om I4 CFR § I2 I.3II (b) to the 

extent necessary to allow her to exceed the specified weight limit and/or height f'or an FAAapproved CRS during use aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with Helen's caregiver accompanying 

her. Helen may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind her. In 

addition, Helen's 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 December 3 1, 20 19, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sinccrclyr-'6of ~ 

J ohn Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures