AFS-13-511-E

September 11, 2013

 Exemption No. 10864

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2013-0748

Ms. Jean-Marie Lawrence

4417 Oakwood Drive, Apt. 1102

Chattanooga, TN 37416

Dear Ms. Lawrence:

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 dated August 17, 2013, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

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 you 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 your 

case, because you are over 18 years of age, an exemption must also be granted from the 

requirement in § 121.311(b), that the individual be a “child”. 

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 you.

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 
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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

of Exemption No. 7831 and 8264.

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I hereby grant you (Jean-Marie Lawrence) exemption from § 121.311(b). 

In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while you are

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

to allow you 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 at least a caregiver 

accompanying you. You may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger seated behind 

you. In addition, you or your 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 September 30, 2018, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

Michael J. Zenkovich

Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosures