AFS-14-011-E 

December 2, 2013 

 Exemption No. 10900 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-0923 

Ms. Sandra Cuevas 

Parent of Michael Alvarez 

2065 Grand Concourse, Apt. 506 

Bronx, NY 10453 

Dear Ms. Cuevas: 

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 dated October 23, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of Michael Alvarez 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 Michael Alvarez 

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 Michael’s case, although he is currently15 years old, he 

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 you. 
2 

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. The use of these restraint 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, 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 Michael Alvarez an exemption from § 121.311(b). In 

addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while Michael is 

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

to allow you 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 Michael’s parents 

or a caregiver accompanying Michael. Michael Alvarez may only occupy a passenger seat 

with no passenger seated behind him. In addition, Michael’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 November 30, 2018, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures