U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

April 7, 2014 

Ms. Patricia C. Hooke 

Parent of Gregory F. Hooke 

7504 Maple Avenue 

Chevy Chase, MD 20815 

Dear Ms. Hooke: 

Exemption No. 10976 

800 Independence Ave. S.W. 

Washington. p.c 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0151 

This letter is to infonn 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 March 3, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

behalf of Gregory F. Hooke for an exemption from§ 121.3ll(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Gregory 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 Gregory's case, although he is currently 15 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 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 Gregory. 

AFS-14-182-E 
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 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. 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 Gregory F. Hooke an exemption from 

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

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

extent necessary to allow him to exceed the specified weight limit for an FAA-approved CRS 

during use aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with at least one of Gregory's parents 

or a caregiver accompanying him. Gregory F. Hooke may only occupy a passenger seat with 

no passenger seated behind him. In addition, Gregory'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 April30, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

John Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director. Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures