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

extent required for Robert Ouellette to be able to use an FAA Approved Child Restraint System even though he exceeds the weight limits for the CRS. In addition, if my petition is granted, I request that any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while Robert is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent necessary to allow Robert to exceed the specified weight l imit for an

FAA

- approved child restraint system during use of that child restraint system aboard an aircraft. I believe the pertinent section from 14 CFR part 121 from which we seek relief is Section 121.311 Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses. My son is __17___ year’s old, weighs _109____ pounds, and is ___63___ inches tall. My **son** ’s physical condition is as follows Robert is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, can’t sit up on his own without support. As a result of his physical condition, he needs the support and security provided by an FAA Approved Child Restraint, but because of his weight is incapable of compliance with the regulation. **I am also submitting the following contact information:**  **Sharon Ouellette 19 Natalie Rd. Chelmsford, MA. 0**  **1824 slouellette@comcast.net**  **, I am his**

**mother.** 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

thei r 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 Robert be allowed to occupy an FAA Approved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though he exceeds the manufacturer’s weight limits. This ensures a high level of safety for Robert and a high level of safety for the other passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, in Robert’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 Robert is in the public interest. In addition, the public

interest is also se rved by the fact that the use of this FAA Approved Child Restraint System allows him to use commercial air transportation. W ithout the support and security of the FAA Approved Child Restraint System, he would be unable to fly commercially.

I also believe t hat, with certain limitations established by the FAA in a grant to this petition, there can be an equivalent level of safety to that provided by the affected regulation. The CARES restraint has been certified by the manufacturer for use by children 22

- 44 pounds. However, the components

of the CARES restraint are the same as those used in restraints for adults on aircraft and would maintain their integrity if used by someone whoweighed several hundred pounds.

I believe that the limit of 44 pounds was estab lished because, with the additional weight of the child attached to the seatback, the seatback would move forward more quickly in an accident scenario and this might cause a higher HIC load for the person seated in the seat behind the passenger using the C ARES restraint (because the seatback moving forward more quickly would mean that it would not be there to attenuate the energy from the impact of the person seated behind the person using the CARES restraint). In order to achieve an equivalent level of safety as that provided by the affected regulation, I propose that the FAA establish a limitation in a grant to this petition that Robert only sits in a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind him. Therefore, no unsafe condition would exist for a

passe nger seated behind Robert while he is using the CARES restraint. I also propose that all operations under this exemption be conducted with at least one of Robert’s parents or a caregiver accompanying him or her. In addition, I propose that Robert’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. W e want to travel April

17

- 23, 2016. If you take the time to put this in the Federal R egister, it will delay the process and we may not be able to travel in this timeframe. 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 for a child to use an FAA Approved Child Restraint System on an aircraft, even though the child exceeds the weight limits for the CRS. Due to physical challenges, without the support and security of this FAA Approved Child Restraint System, this child would be unable to fly. W e request that this child be allowed to occupy an FAA Approved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though he exceeds the manufacturer’s weight limits of 44 pounds. In this case, the safety of this child is greatly en hanced by the extra support and security that the FAA Approved Restraint System will provide for him during the flight. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Sharon Ouellette