AFS-14-326-E 

July 29, 2014 

 Exemption No. 11032 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0388 

Mr. William Wicks 

Parent of Connor Wicks 

3 Commodore Circle 

Baldwinsville, NY 13027 

Dear Mr. Wicks: 

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 posted June 11, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on 

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

Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, if granted, would allow Connor 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 Connor’s case, although he is currently 14 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 Connor. 

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. 
2 

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 Connor Wicks an exemption from 

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

while Connor 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 Connor’s parents 

or a caregiver accompanying him. Connor Wicks may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind him. In addition, Connor’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 August 31, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

John Barbagallo 

Acting Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures