Request for an Extension of a Previously Granted Exemption to Use CARES for

Larger/Older Persons:

I am writing to request an extension of Exemption No 10635 issued to Jannik Meister from certain 

requirements of § 121.311(b) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). This exemption 

allowed Jannik Meister to exceed the specified weight and heigth 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 addition, any air carrier operating 

under part 121 while Jannik Meister was aboard its aircraft was also granted an exemption from 14 

CFR § 121.311(b) to the extent necessary to allow Jannik Meister to use an FAA-approved CRS 

aboard a U.S. aircraft.

My son is currently 8 year’s old, weighs 46 pounds (21 kg), and is 54 inches (135 cm) tall. My 

son’s physical condition is as follows cerebral palsy/spastic paralysis. As a result of his physical 

condition, he continues to need the support and security provided by an FAA-approved CRS, but 

because of his weight and his height is incapable of compliance with the regulation. I am also 

submitting the following contact information: Ralph Meister, ralph.meister@gmx.de, Heinrichvon-Brentano-Strasse 41, D-63486 Bruchköbel, Germany.

The original exemption allowed Jannik Meister to occupy an FAA-approved CRS (CARES, 

manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though he exceeded the manufacturer’s weight and height 

limits. This ensured a high level of safety for Jannik Meister and a high level of safety for the other 

passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, in Jannik Meister’s case, safety is greatly enhanced by 

the extra support and security that the FAA-approved CRS provides during the entire flight.

Enhancing safety for Jannik Meister is in the public interest. In addition, the public interest is also 

served by the fact that the use of this FAA-approved CRS allows him to use commercial air 

transportation. Without the support and security of the FAA-approved CRS, he would be unable to 

fly commercially. Since the original exemption was issued, there has been no change in the 

conditions and reasons relative to public interest and safety that were the basis for granting the 

original exemption.

If it is necessary to put a summary in the Federal Register, I submit the following:

This is a request for an extension of an exemption from FAR 121.311 (b) to the extent required for 

an individual to use an FAA-Approved Child Restraint System (CRS) on an aircraft, even though 

the individual exceeds the weight limits for the CRS. Due to physical challenges, without the 

support and security of this FAA-approved CRS, this individual would be unable to fly. We request 

that this individual be allowed to occupy an FAA-approved CRS (CARES, manufactured by

AmSafe, Inc.), even though the individual exceeds the manufacturer’s weight limits of 44 pounds. 

In this case, the safety of this individual is greatly enhanced by the extra support and security that 

the FAA-approved CRS will provide for this individual during the flight.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Best regards,

Ralph Meister