AFS-13-277-E

March 25, 2013

 Exemption No. 10728

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-0248

Mr. Anthony Bonfiglio

Parent of Sara Bonfiglio

1215 West Fairy Chasm Road

River Hills, WI 53217

Dear Mr. Bonfiglio:

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 received, March 8, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

on behalf of Sara Bonfiglio 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 Sara Bonfiglio 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 U.S. aircraft. In Sara’s case, because she is over 18 years of age, 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 Sara.
2

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

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 9834 (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 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 Sara Bonfiglio an exemption from § 121.311(b). In 

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

its aircraft is granted an exemption from § 121.311(b) to the extent necessary to allow Sara 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 a caregiver accompanying Sara. 

Sara Bonfiglio may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind her. In 

addition, Sara’s 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 April 30, 2015, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John S. Duncan

Deputy Direct, Flight Standards

 Service

Enclosure