U.S. Deportment 

of Tronspor1otion 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

January 8, 2015 

Ms. Jenniffer Buechler 

Parent of Ariana Buechler 

602 North Smith Street 

Clark, SO 57225 

Dear Ms. Buechler: 

Exemption No. 11141 

800 Independence Ave .. S W 

Washington. D.C 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. F AA-20 15-0008 

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 Jetter posted to the pertinent docket on January 2, 2015, you petitioned the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) on behalf of Ariana Buechler for an exemption from 

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

would allow Ariana 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.-regislered aircraft. 

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

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 

AFS-15-275-E 
2 

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. §§ l06(t), 40113 and 44701 , which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Ariana Buechler an exemption from 

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

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

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

during use aboard a U.S.-registered aircraft. 

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with Ariana's parent or caregiver 

accompanying her. Ariana Buechler may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger 

seated behind her. In addition, Ariana'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 January 31 , 2020, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

John S. Duncan 

Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures