April 1, 2014

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

800 Independence Ave. S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20591

Federal Aviation Administration,

This petition is to inform the FAA of a request of exemption for Anthony A. Bautista on behalf 

of his mother and conservator, Ms. Zoila Bautista. The exemption requests relief from the 

following: Section 121.311(b) each person on board an airplane operated under this part shall 

occupy an approved seat or berth with a separate safety belt properly secured about him or her 

during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing... and (c)(3) Except as provided in 

paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(3) of this section, no certificate holder may take off or land an 

airplane unless each passenger seat back is in the upright position...of Title 14, Code of Federal 

Regulations. I, Zoila Bautista, on behalf of Anthony A. Bautista, is requesting for him to be able 

to use an FAA Approved Child Restraint System even though he exceeds the weight limits for 

the CRS and permission to keep his individual chair reclined back during the surface movement, 

takeoff, and landing of the airplane. 

Anthony A. Bautista is currently nineteen years old. He is approximately 5'1 and weighs 75

pounds. At birth he suffered from brain damage and has subsequently been diagnosed with 

Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder. Anthony is wheelchair bound and has a form of scoliosis 

that requires him to wear a back brace the majority of the time. Due to Anthony's medical 

conditions and physical limitations, he cannot sit upright on his own. When sitting, Anthony will 

be most at ease in a reclined position along with the support and security provided by an FAA 

Approved Child Restraint System. Anthony's Neurologist, Dr. Habib Ismail, who has been 

Anthony's primary doctor for over 15 years agrees with the form of transportation we are 

requesting. Dr. Ismail best understands Anthony's medical conditions and recognizes that this is 

the best scenario for Anthony when traveling.

I advise that Anthony A. Bautista be allowed to occupy an FAA Approved Child Restraint 

(CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though he exceeds the manufacturer’s weight 

limits. This ensures a high level of safety for everyone on the airplane: himself, other passengers, 

and crew members. The CARES restraint has been certified by the manufacturer for use by

children 22- 44 pounds. However, the components of the CARES restraint are the same as those 

used in restraints for adults on aircraft and would maintain their integrity if used by someone 

who weighed several hundred pounds. The FAA Approved Child Restraint System allows 

Anthony to use commercial air transportation; without the support and security of the FAA 

Approved Child Restraint System, he would be unable to fly commercially.
While traveling, Anthony will always be accompanied by myself, Zoila Bautista (mother & 

conservator). I am aware of all his personal needs and medical conditions. I will be assisting

with his feedings, personal care, and basic monitoring. Anthony and our family are planning to 

travel to Hawaii in July of 2014 and a delay in the approval of this exemption will further hinder 

the family's future planning of said trip. Your consideration in expediting this request would be 

greatly appreciated. The following is my contact information: Zoila Bautista, 1240 W. Locust 

St., Ontario, CA 91762.

Thank you,

Zoila Bautista