September 17, 2012

Mr. Patrick Roth 72 Lovely Street Unionville, CT 06085

Dear Mr. Roth:

This letter is to inform you that we are unable to process your request for an exemption from §§ 45.22(b)(1) and 45.29(b)(1) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). It explains why we can’t process your request, gives you some important information about how we have handled similar requests, and tells you what you should do in the next 30 days.

Why We Can’t Process Your Request

We entered your August 9, 2012, exemption request into the public docket (No. FAA-2012-0843), but we are unable to pr ocess your request any further. The information you sent doesn’t comply with the requirements of 14 CFR § 11.81 (copy enclosed). For us to consider the request any further, you must send us all of the following:

 The reasons why granting the request would be in the public interest; that is, how it would benefit the public as a whole.

 The reasons why granting the exemption wouldn’t adversely affect safety or how the exemption would provide a level of safety at least equal to that provided by the rule from which you seek an exemption.

 Any more information, views, or arguments available to support your request.

How We Have Handled Similar Requests

Your request f or exemption applies to the requirements for the nationality and size of registration marks on your Great Lakes Model 2T-1A aircraft.

It is important for you to know that we have issued denials of exemption in circumstances similar to those presented in your petition. We are enclosing examples of denials, Exemption Nos. 7760 and 10623. As noted in these denials, the FAA has determined that allowing the petitioner to display 2-inch registration marks in place of the required 12-inch marks for aesthetic reasons is not in the public interest and would not provide a level of safety equivalent to that provided by the regulation.2

The FAA notes that the petitioner is not unique from the general class of regulated persons who are subject to the requirements of § 45.29(b)(1). The display of 12-inch registration marks on your Great Lakes Model 2T-1A aircraft may detract from its aesthetics; however, the FAA has determined that installation of distinctive paint schemes, insignias, and logos do not appropriately substitute for the 12-inch registration marks. We find that the12-inch registrations marks will best allow the FAA to fulfill its responsibility for positive identification of aircraft and its obligations to protect persons and property.

Because the previous denials of exemption dealt with circumstances similar to those presented in your petition, there is little reason to believe that we would grant your petition for exemption.

What You Should Do

 Before we commit agency resources to process and analyze your exemption request, we suggest that you review the enclosed denials of exemption.

 If, after that review, you still want the agency to process your petition, you must tell us how the facts and circumstances of your par ticular situation are significantly different from the previous denials of exemption.

 Send the information about your particular situation, and the information we requested earlier in this letter that will enable us to process your request, to reach us within 30 days. We will consider the docket on your request open for that period.

If We Don’t Hear From You

If we don’t hear from you within 30 days, we will close the docket without further contact.

If you have any questions or need more time, you may call (202) 267-4059.

Sincerely,

/s/ Brenda D. Courtney for

Lirio Liu Acting Director, Office of Rulemaking

Enclosures