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 system 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 Lopez to use a Columbia Medical® 

SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System as a restraint system 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, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses.

My son is _25 years old and weighs _85 pounds. My son’s physical condition is as 

follows Cerebral Palsy quadriplegic and spastic no trunk control. As a result of his 

physical condition, he needs the support and security provided by 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 by 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 by being thrown into them during turbulent or 

emergency conditions.

I propose that Hector Lopez be allowed to occupy a Columbia Medical® SpiritTM 

Adjustable Positioning System, which will be securely strapped in a passenger seat with 

the aircraft seat belt. Hector Lopez will then be secured with the Columbia Medical® 

SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System internal restraints. The Columbia Medical® 

SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System will not block any 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 securely restrained by the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning 

System internal restraints and the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning 

System itself is securely restrained by the seat belt. This ensures a high level of safety for 

Hector Lopez and a high level of safety for the other passengers and crew on the airplane. 

In fact, in Hector Lopez case, safety is greatly enhanced by the extra support and security 

that the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System will provide during 

the entire flight.

Enhancing safety for Hector Lopez is in the public interest. In addition, the public interest 

is also served by the fact that the use of this restraint system allows him to use 
commercial air transportation. Without the support and security of this specially designed 

restraint system, he would be unable to fly commercially.

I propose that all operations under the exemption be conducted with at least one of 

Hector Lopez parents or a caregiver accompanying 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 

provided with the restraint. 

In addition, I propose 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 the date of each flight.

I also believe that my 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 found 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 safely 

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 physical challenges, without the support and security of the Columbia 

Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System this person would be unable to fly. In 

this case, the safety of this person is greatly enhanced by the extra support and security 

that the Columbia Medical® SpiritTM Adjustable Positioning System will provide for him 

during the flight.