12/27/11 

Lee Soltani 

16 Blue Pt. 

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 

After my petition was granted for the exemption of the oral exam, I proceeded with the exam, which took 

place on December 12 of20ll. However, the exam was suspended because of my lack ofEnglish and 

writing skills. I am aware ofFAR 11.63 and 11.81 which requires me to submit my petition for to waive a 

section ofthe exam administered by FAA. I need another exemption from Title 14 Code of Federal 

Regulations (CFR) 65.71. If this exemption is granted, it would allow me to be eligible for a mechanic 

certification and associated ratings. I am more than capable of doing the practical tests and would be 

willing to demonstrate any subjects that is asked and would be happy to do double the practical tests to 

substitute for the written test. I am hearing impaired and unable to speak and because English is my third 

language, it is difficult to complete the exam at the given time that the examiner requires. I feel that the 

written test that was administered to me was not a fair evaluation of my skill and abilities. This exam is 

testing my oral and written English abilities rather than my Electrical/Mechanic knowledge and skills. 

The ADA addresses accommodations for deaf individuals, including waiving the written test. I have over 

20 years of experience in Electrical/Mechanic. Offer me a chance to demonstrate my skills through a 

hands-on evaluation, or short-term work trial. I believe such a "test" will provide a more accurate 

understanding of my real, competitive skills. 

The FAA has issued a grant of exemption in similar circumstances in all material respects to those 

presented in my petition. In Grant of Exemption Nos. 8324,6840, and 6015 (copies enclosed), the FAA 

found there are many aviation tasks that a person with hearing and speech impairments can perform 

without creating unsafe situations. The FAA determined that such disabilities would not present a safety 

hazard and that it is in the public interest to train and employ persons with disabilities in jobs that they are 

capable of performing. The petition states that I was enrolled and completed the airframe and power plant 

program in Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California. Indeed, OCC provided the aid of interpreters 

with me and I am able to perform in FAA-approved curriculum requirements tor certification as an 

aircraft mechanic. I will meet all the FAA requirements as well as follow FAR 65.71, except for the 

requirement that I speak or write English. 

Also I worked for B/E Aerospace in Marysville and Everett, Washington and UAE (United Arab 

Emirates) respectively, and I am currently employed for the same company in Anaheim, California. 

Working responsibilities included but are not limited to, repair and electrical/mechanical technician. I 

assisted in the design and manufacturing of high technology test system and support equipment, including 

the layout and installation of an intricate control unit's air chiller and the repairing of electrical circuits, 

fan motors and controls. I have a complete understanding of Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM). 

It would be much helpful and appreciated if this exemption could be processed as soon as possible. 

Sincerely, 

Lee Soltani 

LS:TBE 

(Written by Ro Soltani) 
US. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

MAR 3 2011 

Mr. Lee Soltani 

16 Blue Pt. 

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 

Dear Mr. Soltani: 

Exemption No. 1 0 2 2 1 

800 Independence Ave .. S W 

Washington. 0 C 2059 1 

Regulatory Docket No. f AA-2011-0096 

This letter is to inform you that we have granted your request for exemption. It transmits our 

decision, explains its basis, and gives you the conditions and limitations of the exemption, 

including the date it ends. 

The Basis for Our Decision 

By letter dated January 18,2011, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

for an exemption from§ 65.71(a)(2) ofTitle 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). This 

exemption would allow you to be eligible for a mechanic certificate and associated ratings 

although you are hearing impaired and unable to speak the English language. 

The FAA has determined that good cause exists for not publishing a summary of the petition 

in the Federal Register. The requested exemption would not set a precedent, and any delay in 

acting on this petition would be detrimental to you. 

The FAA has issued grants of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to 

those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption Nos. 6015, ·6840, and 8324 (copies 

enclosed), the FAA found there are many aviation tasks that a person with hearing and speech 

impairments can perform without creating unsafe situations. The FAA determined that such 

disabilities may not present a safety hazard and that it is in the public interest to train and 

employ people with disabilities in jobs that they are capable of performing. 

Having reviewed your reasons for requesting an exemption, I lind that they do not differ 

materially from those presented by the petitioners in the enclosed grants of exemptions. The 

AFS-ll-152-E 
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reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed exemptions also apply to the situation you 

present, and a grant of exemption is in the public interest. 

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator 

has delegated to me, I hereby grant Mr. Lee Soltani an exemption from 14 CFR § 65.71(b)(2) 

to the extent necessary to allow him to be eligible for a mechanic certificate and associated 

ratings although he is hearing impaired and unable to speak the English language. 

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Mr. Soltani must meet all the other portions of§ 65.7l(a)(2) and show his ability 

to read, vvrite, 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 applicant. 

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

perfonn 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 F onn 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-7 60, Airman Certification Branch, 

and any limitation in the grant letter to the Department of Transportation, FAA, 

Airman Certification Branch (AFS-760), Registry Building, 6425 South Denning 

Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 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 the Flight Standards Service 

Regulatory Support Division in Oklahoma City or the Flight Standards Service 

Aircraft Maintenance Division in Washington, D.C. 

This exemption terminates on March 31, 2013 unless sooner superseded or rescinded. 

Sincerely, 

~~-J~(_ RaAnd Tow les 

A~~~g Director , Flight Standards 

Service 

Enclosures 

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