I am writing to request an exemption from 14 CFR Â§ 121.311(b) to the extent required for me (Jeffery K. Hoffman) to be able to use an FAA 

Approved Child Restraint System even though I exceed the weight limits for the CRS. In addition, if my petition is granted, I request that any 

air carrier or commercial operator operating under part 121 while I am aboard its aircraft is granted an exemption from 14 CFR Â§ 

121.311(b)(2)(iii)(B) to the extent necessary to allow me to exceed the specified weight limit for an FAA-approved child restraint system 

during use of that child restraint system aboard an aircraft.

I believe the pertinent section from 14 CFR part 121 from which I seek relief is Section 121.311 Seats, safety belts, and shoulder harnesses.

I am 37 years old, weigh 81 pounds, and am 5 feet 6 inches tall. MyÂ physical condition is as follows: I have a genetic neuromuscular disease 

called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2. This disease makes me super, super weak (I am unable to lift a full can of soda, that's how weak I am.) 

I've had a spinal fusion for scoliosis, and am unable to sit unassisted in a standard airline seat. I flop over to the side, or fall forward 

onto my knees and legs. As a result of my physical disability, I need the support and security provided by an FAA Approved Child Restraint, 

but because of my weight I'm incapable of compliance with the regulation.

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 I (Jeffery K. Hoffman) be allowed to occupy an FAA Approved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though 

I exceed the manufacturerâ€TMs weight limits. This ensures a high level of safety for myself and a high level of safety for the other 
passengers and crew on the airplane. In fact, in my case, safety is greatly enhanced by the extra support and security that the FAA Approved 

Restraint System will provide during the entire flight.

Enhancing safety for me is in the public interest. In addition, the public interest is also served by the fact that the use of this FAA 

Approved Child Restraint System allows me to use commercial air transportation. Without the support and security of the FAA Approved Child 

Restraint System, I would be unable to fly commercially.

The CARES restraint has been certified by the manufacturer for use by children 22- 44 pounds. However, the components of the CARES restraint 

are the same as those used in restraints for adults on aircraft and would maintain their integrity if used by someone who weighed several 

hundred pounds.

Since I never fly unassisted, and always have a helper flying with me, I propose that all operations under this exemption be conducted with at 

least one caregiver accompanying me. In addition, I propose I or my caregiver must carry a copy of this exemption.

I also request that the processing of this petition not be delayed for publication and comment in the Federal Register. I want to travel in 

early May. 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 for your use:

This is a request for an exemption from FAR 121.311 (b) to the extent required for a person with a disability to use an FAA Approved Child 
Restraint System on an aircraft, even though the person exceeds the weight limits for the CRS. Due to physical challenges, without the support 

and security of this FAA Approved Child Restraint System, this person would be unable to fly. We request that this person be allowed to occupy 

an FAA Approved Child Restraint (CARES, manufactured by AmSafe, Inc.), even though he exceeds the manufacturerâ€TMs weight limits of 44 pounds. 

In this case, the safety of this person is greatly enhanced by the extra support and security that the FAA Approved Restraint System will 

provide for him during the flight.