November 7, 2012 

Mr. Lee Soltani 

16 Blue Pt. 

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 

Dear Mr. Soltani: 

This is in response to your June 12, 2012, letter sent to the public docket 

(No. FAA-2011-0096). The FAA values the information you provided on deaf and hearing 

individuals, as well as, your many years of experience. The FAA considers the circumstances 

of each individual when reviewing and rendering a decision on a petition for exemption. 

Your letter requested relief from the written portion of the test and stated you expected to 

only be required to complete the multiple choice portion of the exam. The requirements for a 

mechanic certificate or ratings are found in several sections of part 65 (§§ 65.71, 65.75 and 

65.79). Section 65.75 requires that each applicant pass a written test before applying for the 

oral and practical tests prescribed by § 65.79. Although you requested an alternative format 

for the written test, you have successfully completed the computerized multiple choice test 

and have met this requirement. Section 65.79 requires that each applicant for a mechanic 

certificate or rating pass an oral and a practical test as required by § 65.71(a)(2), in addition 

to the written test required by § 65.75. 

Condition No. 1 of Exemption No. 10221 specifically states as a condition of the exemption, 

you must meet all other portions of § 65.71(a)(2) to show your ability to read, write and 

understand the English language. Further, Condition No. 2 states that you must comply with 

the provisions of § 65.79 which states that you must pass an oral and a practical test on the 

ratings you seek. The test is designed to ensure that you are able to demonstrate basic skills 

in performing practical projects on the subjects covered by the written test required by 

§ 65.75. You have not successfully completed the skill requirements of § 65.79, and while you 

may be seeking an alternative format for the oral and practical test, we have provided the only 

relief available – use of an interpreter who will remain neutral in delivery of technical test 

content as delivered, interpreted, and responded to by you to meet the skill requirements of 

§ 65.79. 

The FAA understands and recognizes that you are hearing impaired and unable to speak the 

English language. However, you must meet the skill requirements of § 65.79, including the 

conditions and limitations of Exemption No. 10221 to be eligible for a mechanic certificate 

with ratings. The exemption terminates on March 31, 2013, unless sooner superseded or 

rescinded. The original conditions and limitations are restated below. 
2

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Mr. Soltani must meet all the other portions of § 65.71(a)(2) and show his ability 

to read, write, and understand the English language. 

2. Mr. Soltani must comply with the provisions of § 65.79 by using an interpreter 

who will remain neutral in delivery of technical test content as delivered, 

interpreted and as responded to by Mr. Soltani. 

3. There are some duties that a certificated aircraft and powerplant mechanic may 

perform that require a person to be able to speak and hear. A typical example of 

such a duty is the run-up and taxiing of an aircraft. An airframe and powerplant 

mechanic performing these duties should be able to speak and hear, therefore, 

Mr. Soltani should not perform these tasks because of safety concerns. 

4. The exemption letter must be attached to FAA Form 8610-2, Airman Certification 

and/or Rating Application. 

5. The exemption number and expiration date must be recorded in the remarks 

section on FAA Form 8610-2. The FAA inspector or the Designated Mechanic 

Examiner reviewing Form 8610-2 must ensure this is completed prior to the 

issuance of a temporary certificate. 

6. The temporary certificate, FAA Form 8060-4, must contain the exemption number 

in Block XII of the form as provided to AFS-760, Airman Certification Branch 

and any limitation in the grant letter to DOT/FAA, Airman Certification Branch, 

Registry Building (AFS-760), 6425 South Denning Road, Oklahoma City, OK 

73169. 

7. Mr. Soltani must provide a copy of the exemption, if requested, to the airman’s 

employer, a potential employer, and any FAA Safety Inspector in the performance 

of their duties. 

8. Questions about Mr. Soltani’s knowledge, skill testing, or recording process for 

airman certification files should be directed to AFS-640 in Oklahoma City, or 

 AFS-350 in Washington D.C. 

Sincerely, 

/s/ 

Michael J. Zenkovick 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service