AFS-13-059-E

December 5, 2012

 Exemption No. 10667

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-1205

Ms. Francine Brown

Guardian of Bonnie Shields

P.O. Box 761

Cle Elum, WA 98926

Dear Ms. Brown:

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, November 06, 2012, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Bonnie Shields 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 Bonnie 

Shields 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 Bonnie’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.
2

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 Bonnie.

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 Bonnie Shields an exemption from § 121.311(b). In 

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

aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from § 121.311(b) to the extent necessary to allow 

Bonnie 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 

Bonnie. Bonnie Shields may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind

her. In addition, Bonnie’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 December 31, 2014, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

John M. Allen

Director, Flight Standards

 Service

Enclosure