AFS-14-161-E

 Exemption No. 10949

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2014-0080

March 6, 2014

Mrs. Melanie Thieleke

Parent of Timo Thieleke

Strabe 48 Nr. 3

12623 Berlin

GERMANY

Dear Mrs. Thieleke:

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and lists the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends.

The Basis for Our Decision

By letter received February 6, 2014, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) on behalf of Timo Thieleke for an exemption from § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR). That exemption, will allow Timo to exceed the specified 

weight limit for an FAA-approved child restraint system (CAReS, manufactured by AmSafe

Corporation) during use of that child restraint system (CRS) aboard a United States (U.S.)

aircraft. In Timo’s case, currently only his height exceeds manufacturer’s limits, although his 

weight may exceed the manufacturer’s limits prior to the termination date of this grant of 

exemption. However, the reasons for requesting this exemption do not differ materially from 

those presented by the 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 because the requested exemption would not set a precedent and any 

delay in acting on this petition would be detrimental to Timo.
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The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 9834 (copy enclosed), the FAA 

found that numerous people with physical challenges had previously completed flights using 

restraint systems that 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 

of Exemption No. 9834;

• the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 9834 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. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I hereby grant Timo Thieleke an exemption from § 121.311(b). In 

addition, any air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while Timo is aboard 

its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR § 121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent 

necessary to allow him to use an FAA-approved CRS aboard a U.S. aircraft.

All operations under this exemption must be conducted with at least one of Timo’s parents or 

a caregiver accompanying him. Timo Thieleke may only occupy a passenger seat with no 

passenger seated behind him. In addition, Timo’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 February 28, 2019, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/S/ John Barbagallo

Enclosure
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Project No.: AFS-14-161-E

Project Officer: _______________ ARM-101:VCastaneda:02/11/2014:Doc#38132

ARM-1/100/104:Program Office AFS-200

MRS MELANIE THIELEKE

PARENT OF TIMO THIELEKE

STRABE 48 NR 3

12623 BERLIN

GERMANY