19. TRAVELING WITH MORE THAN ONE CHILD. In the event a parent/guardian is traveling with more than one child in a CRS or is traveling with several small children, only one of whom is occupying a CRS, good judgment should be used regarding placement of the CRSs As long as these conditions below are met, the CRS could be placed in a seat other than a window seat. At a minimum:
• The CRS should be placed so it does not block any passengers (including the parent/guardian) egress to the aisle used to evacuate the aircraft, and
• The CRS should be placed so the parent/guardian can reach the child in the CRS to release and evacuate with the child, should an emergency evacuation be necessary.
20. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THE PROPER USE OF CRS. If the CRS is supplied by the parent or guardian, typically he or she will check to ensure that the CRS is approved and that the child is the right size and weight for the CRS. In addition, the parent will usually ensure that the CRS is properly installed in a forward-facing passenger seat. However, aircraft operators still have overall responsibility to ensure that the CRS is properly secured to a forward-facing seat, the child is properly secured in the CRS and does not exceed the weight limit for the CRS, and that the CRS bears appropriate labels or markings (§ 121.311(b)(2)(iii)).
21. EFFECTIVE PRACTICES FOR CONSIDERATION. Effective practices may include:
• The aircraft operator’s training program and crewmember operating manuals should contain information, policy, and procedures regarding CRS use,
• The CRS should be secured to a regular passenger seat at all times or, if not in use, stowed as carry-on baggage, and
• The child should always be properly secured in the CRS whenever other passengers are required to fasten their seatbelts.
22. AN ADULT AS FOUND IN SECTION 121.311. The word “adult,” as it appears in § 121.311, is used in the ordinary sense of the word to denote a person 18 years of age or older (http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/regs/legal/media/age_adult.pdf).
23. USE OF AN APPROVED CRS FOR A CHILD WITH DISABILITIES. The majority of individuals using CRSs on aircraft are young children typically weighing 40 pounds or less.
However, there are some people who, because of physical challenges, need the support and security that a restraint system provides in order to travel safely on aircraft. Aircraft operators should ensure F/As are aware that older children (who have not reached their eighteenth birthday) may use a properly approved CRS that is appropriate for that child’s size and weight.
In this case, the aircraft operator may not prohibit the use of the CRS. There are several companies manufacturing CRSs approved for use on aircraft specifically designed for larger children who are physically challenged.
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24. USE OF A NON-APPROVED CRS FOR A CHILD, OR A NON-APPROVED RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR AN ADULT WITH DISABILITIES. In the case of a person who, because of physical challenges, needs the support and security of a non-approved CRS or restraint system the individual, his or her guardian, or the aircraft operator (on the individual’s behalf) may request an exemption to certain operating rules addressing the use of the CRS on the aircraft. Upon application, the FAA will determine whether the exemption request will be granted in order to allow the use of a non-approved restraint system during all phases of flight.
While not required, it has been found to be an effective practice for the individual or the parent/guardian to have a copy of the grant of exemption available for the aircraft operator to review when using a non-approved CRS or restraint system on aircraft.
25. HOW TO PETITION FOR EXEMPTION. To find out how to submit a petition for exemption, see http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/petition/. To review previously granted exemptions regarding the use of restraint systems, see the FAA’s Automated Exemption System at: http://aes.faa.gov/. To view previously granted exemptions regarding the use of specialized restraint for adults, type “12485,” or “9364” in the “Docket Search” field. To view previously granted exemptions regarding the use of non-approved restraint for children, type “17184,” “29824,”, “28630”or “8264”, “9834” in the “Docket Search” field.
26. IMPROVING EMERGENCY EVACUATION CAPABILITIES. To improve emergency evacuation capabilities, the CRS should remain attached to the passenger seat during an emergency evacuation, and only the child should be removed from the aircraft. Researchers from CAMI, AAM-600, have completed two studies designed to determine the most favorable methods for the emergency evacuation of infants from aircraft. All CAMI Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports can be found at: http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/oamtechreports/.
a. Slide Evacuation. The purpose of the first study, DOT/FAA/AM-01/18, was to determine the most favorable methods for the evacuation of infants via an inflatable emergency evacuation slide. The results of this study strongly suggest that jumping onto the slide should be the favored boarding maneuver, as opposed to sitting down and sliding which slows the progress of the evacuation. The carrying position that provides the most protection for the child would include cradling the child’s head and neck with the hand (for a vertical position) or in the arm (for horizontal positions), keeping the child’s arms, legs and feet enfolded as much as possible by the adult’s arms.
b. Overwing Exit Evacuation. The purpose of the second study, DOT/FAA/AM-05/02, was to determine the most favorable methods for evacuation of infants through a Type III overwing exit. The results of this study suggest that carrying the infant vertically should be the favored egress maneuver through the Type III exit, as opposed to carrying the child horizontally or passing the child to another passenger on the outside of the Type III exit.
ORIGINAL SIGNED by /s/ Raymond Towles for
John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service Page 14 Par 24