U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

September 28, 2015 

Ms. Stacey Sarensen 

Parent of Amanda Sarensen 

19413 8111 A venue East 

Spanaway, WA 98387 

Dear Ms. Sarensen: 

Exemption No. 13046 

800 Independence Ave . S W 

Washington. DC 2059 1 

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2015-3828 

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 posted to the docket on September 10, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) on behalf of your daughter Amanda Sarensen for an exemption from 

§ 12 1.31 l(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, 

would allow Amanda 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.)-registered aircraft. 

In Amanda's case, since she will be an adult before this exemption expires, an exemption 

must also be granted from the requirement in§ 121.3 1 l(b) that the individual be a "child." 

However, the reasons:'for requesting this exemption do not diffe r 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 Amanda. 

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 persons with physical challenges had previously 

completed flights usi ng restraint systems. 

AFS-15-3896-E 
2 

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 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 

Grants of Exemption Nos. 7831 and 8264; 

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grants of Exemption Nos. 7831 

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. §§ 106(f), 40113 and 44701 , which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Amanda Sarensen an exemption from 

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

while Amanda is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121 .3 11 (b) to the 

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

AH operations under this exemption must be conducted with Amanda's parent or a caregiver 

accompanying her. Amanda may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated 

behind her. In addition, Amanda's parent or caregiver must carry a copy of this exemption 

and advise the air canier about the contents of the exemption at least 48 hours before the date 

of each flight. 

This exemption terminates on September 30, 2020, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

I 

John Barbagallo 

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures