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. The2

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.3

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