AFS-14-363-E 

August 7, 2014 

 Exemption No. 11040 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0459 

Ms. Jennifer Swann 

Parent of Kennedy Swann 

125 Jamaica Circle 

Placentia, CA 92870 

Dear Ms. Swann: 

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 received July 2, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Kennedy Swann for an exemption from § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Kennedy to be secured by a 

personal safety belt, the E-Z-ON Modified Vest, while aboard a United States (U.S.) aircraft. 

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 Kennedy. 

The FAA has issued a grant of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 8264 (copy enclosed), the FAA 

found that numerous people with physical challenges had previously completed flights using 

restraint systems that 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 precedence regarding the use of restraint systems 

by persons with disabilities. 
2 

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 No. 8264; 

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 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, Kennedy Swann is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR 121.311(b), that allows Kennedy to be secured by the E-Z-ON Modified Vest while 

aboard a U.S. aircraft. In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under 

part 121 while Kennedy is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 

14 CFR 121.311(b) to the extent necessary to allow her to properly use the E-Z-ON Modified 

Vest aboard a U.S. aircraft. Proper use requires that the E-Z-ON Modified Vest be installed 

on Kennedy and in turn secured to the airplane passenger seats using, at least two, of the 

aircraft seat belts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with both of Kennedy Swann’s 

parents or one parent and a caregiver accompanying her. In addition, one of Kennedy’s 

parents 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 August 31, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosure