I am writing to request an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b) to the extent required for

Hector Lopez to be able to use a Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System as a restraint s ys tem during all phases of flight while aboard an aircraft. In addition, if my

petition is granted, I request that any air carrier operating under part 121 while Hector Lopez is aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b) to the extent necessary to allow Hector L opez to use a Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System as a restraint sy stem during all phases of flight while aboard an aircraft.
I believe the pertinent section from 14 CFR part 121 from which we seek relief is Section 121.311 Seats, safet y belts, and shoulder harnesse s. My son is

_25 years old and weighs _ 85 pounds. My son’s phy sical condition is as follows Cerebral Palsy

quadriplegic and spastic no trunk control . As a result of his phy sical condition, he needs the support and security provided b y the Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System and because of his disability is incapable of compliance with the regulation. I am also submitting the following contact information: Manuel Lopez, 1171 Sherwood Ave. Elgin, IL 60120. Email lopez60120@yahoo.com I understand that the regulation is written to create a high level of safety for each individual passenger b y ensuring that they are securely restrained in their seats during all phases of flight. The regulation also ensures that an individual does not cause harm to other passengers on the airplane b y being thrown into them during turbulent or emergency

conditions. I propose that Hector Lopez be allowed to occup y a Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System , which will be securely strapped in a passenger seat with the aircraft seat belt. Hector L opez will then be secured with the Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System internal restraints. The Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioni ng System will not block an y passenger’s view of the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign, “No Smoking” sign or any required exit sign. It will also be placed in such a manner that its location will not restrict access to, or use of, any required emergency

exit, or of the aisle in the passenger compartment. This proposal will satisfy the intended purpose of the regulations by ensuring that Hector Lopez is securel y restrained by the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System internal restraints and the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System itself is securel y restrained b y the seat belt. This ensures a high level of safet y for Hector Lopez and a high level of safety for the other passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, in Hector Lopez case, safet y is greatly enhanced b y the extra support and securit y that the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System will provide during the entire flight. Enhancing safety

for Hector L opez is in the public interest. In addition, the public interest is also served b y the fact that the use of this restraint sy stem allows him to usecommercial air transportation. Without the support and security of this specially designed

restraint s ys tem, he would be unable to fl y commercially.
I propose that all operations under the exemption be conducted with at least one of Hector Lopez parents or a caregiver accompan yi ng him. I also propose that Hector Lopez
, while seated in the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System , must be secured with the restraint’s internal restraint system. I further propose that the Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System must be secured in the airplane passenger seat by

means of the airplane passenger seatbelt in accordance with the instructions pr ovided with the restraint.

Inaddition, Ipropose that Hector Lopez parent or caregiver be required to carry a copy of the exemption with them during the flight and to advise the air carrier about the contents of the exemption at least 48 hours before th e date of each flight.

I also believe that m y petition contains similar reasons regarding the level of safety that would be provided under the proposed exemption and how the proposed exemption would be in the public interest, that the FAA has previously fo und to be sufficient in other similar petitions for exemption . These reasons serve as the basis upon which Exemption No. 7831A was issued, and under which operations have been safel y conducted. They

are equally

applicable to my

petition, and are sufficient to demonstrate that my proposed exemption should be granted.

I also request that the processing of this petition not be delayed for publication and comment in the Federal Register. We want to travel 12/27/2013 returning on 01/08/2014. If you take the time to put this in the Federal Register, it will delay the process and we may not be able to travel in this timeframe. If it is necessary

to put a summary

in the Federal Register, I submit the following: This is a request for an exemption from FAR 121.311 (b) to the extent required for a person to use a Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System on an aircraft. Due to ph ys ical challenges, without the support and security of the Columbia Medical ® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System this person w ould be unable to fly . In this case, the safet y of this person is greatl y enhanced b y the extra support and securit y that the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System will provide for him during the flight.