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 mu st 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