AFS-11-152-E 

March 3, 2011 

 Exemption No. 10221 

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2011-0096 

Mr. Lee Soltani 

16 Blue Pt. 

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 

Dear Mr. Soltani: 

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) of Title 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 find that they do not differ 

materially from those presented by the petitioners in the enclosed grants of exemptions. The 
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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 § 65.71(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 applicant. 

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 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. 
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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, 

/s/ 

Raymond Towles 

Acting Director, Flight Standards 

 Service 

Enclosures