0 

U.S. Deportment 

of Tronsportotion 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

November l 0, 2014 

Ms. Marta Brantley 

Parent of Caroline Brantley 

3981 East Indigo Bay Court 

Gilbert, AZ 85234 

Dear Ms. Brantley: 

Exemption No.I 0494A 

800 Independence Ave . S W 

Washington. DC 20591 

Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0764 

This Jetter is to inform you that we have granted your request for an extension of Exemption 

No. l 0494. 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 September 2

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6, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Caroline Brantley for an extension of Exemption No. l 0494 from 

§ 121.311 (b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (I 4 CFR). That extension, if granted, 

would allow Caroline to excJed the specified weight and/or height limit for an FAA-approved 

child restraint system (CAReS, manufactured by AmSafe Corporation) during use of that child 

restraint system (CRS) aboartl a United States (U.S.) aircraft. 

In Caroline's case, although she is currently 13 years old, she will be over 18 years old before 

this extension terminates; therefore, an exemption must also be granted from the requirement 

in§ 121.311 (b), that the indir idual 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 beca+ e the requested exemption would not set a precedent and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Caroline. 

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

those presented in your petit on. 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. 

AFS-14-515-E 
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 

ofExemption 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(t), 40113 and 44701, which the FAA 

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Caroline Brantley an extension of 

Exemption No. 1 0494 fTom § 121.311 (b). In addition, any air carrier or commercial operator 

operating under part 121 while Caroline 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 

and/or height limit for an FAA-approved CRS during use aboard a U.S. aircraft. 

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

accompanying her. Caroline Brantley may only occupy a passenger seat with no passenger 

seated behind her. In addition, Caroline'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 October 31, 20 19, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

~~w4~ John Barbagallo 

A cti.ng Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service 

Enclosures