Robert A

. Stewart 1907 Azure Drive Dothan, Al 36303 Contact via VRS (Video Relay Service): 334

-830

-4599 Email: robertstewart@graceba.net I, Robert Allen Stewart, am requesting consideration for partial exemption to CFR 65.71 (a) (2). I am hearing impaired and able to read, write, and understand the English language very well. Although due to my disability, I am unable to speak well. I have always been able to make myself understood one way or another, including when I was employed by IBM, GE, and SONY. I had an exemplary safety and production record with these employers. I, respectfully, desire for partial exemption to the rule written above. This is so I will be able to obtain my FAA Mechanic certificate with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings

. I have a Designated Mechanic Examiner to work with on the Oral & Practical Exam required by CFR 65.79. I will have the necessary interpreter present. I have consulted with my Designated Mechanic Examiner’s Principal Maintenance Inspector from Birmingham Flight Standards District Office and he has okayed this process and has the option to be present during the Oral and Practical Exam. While my speech is, somewhat, difficult to understand, it has never been detrimental in my interactions with the public, customers, nor with co-workers. As to how this request would be in the public interest, my success in past jobs with IBM Federal Systems (Avionics Technician), GE, and SONY testifies to my success in making myself understood one way or another, hence my successful job performance, because I performed my job well and in a safe manner...satisfying my employer and customer. By granting my request, allowing me to pursue certification and a job as Airframe and Powerplant maintenance technician, the public will be acquiring a technician who is knowledgeable, safety conscience, and diligent. My speech difficulties have not served as an impediment to past successful performance on the job. In my attempt to become an FAA certified Airframe and Powerplant maintenance technician, my excellent grades, training performance, and successful interactions with students and faculty, serves as evidence that I would be an asset to any company hiring me. As to safety concerns, the fact that my speech difficulty, has never been an issue in the successful and safe performance of my former jobs, as well as during the course of pursuing my Airframe and Powerplant training, there is nothing to indicate there would be safety issues in my future job that could not be remedied. There are many electronic devices and methods for assuring effective communication. I have always been able to work out procedures with my employers/co

-workers/customers to assure successful interactions and address any safety issues. To be noted here, comparing to their hearing counterparts, the hearing impaired tend to have a better safety record because they tend to utilize their peripheral vision more, to compensate for difficulty hearing. The hearingimpaired tend to notice subtle changes in their vision field, often overlooked by their hearing counterparts. This holds true for me. Furthermore, as to the data pertaining to my current training, I have demonstrated a very capable knowledge in my applied studies as indicated by 3.68 GPA. May 7 I completed the Airframe program a. May 8 I passed FAA Required Knowledge tests. May 10 I obtained A.A.S. degree in Airframe. I anticipate graduating with my A.A.S. degree in Powerplant December 2012. Additional comments: The American Disabilities Act of 1990 indicates that one cannot presume that a qualified employee will not be able to perform theirjobs in a successful and safe manner based on his/her hearing impairment or speech difficulty, that cannot be remedied with reasonable accommodations.
In summary, I am requesting consideration for partial exemption to CFR 65.71 (a)(2). I am hearing impaired and able to read, write, and understand the English language very well. Although due to my disability, I am unable to speak well, I have always been able to make myself understood. The reason why I feel I should receive this exemption is that I, have in the past utilized various Reasonable Accommodations as put forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and expect to do so as an Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technician. Ihave demonstrated a very capable knowledge in my applied studies as indicated by 3.68 GPA. I completed the Airframe Program (May 7th) with an AAS, and passed the FAA Required Knowledge tests May 8th. I anticipate graduating with my AAS degree in Powerplant December 2012. I have been made aware that there are deaf people working L3 in Greenville, Texas. Also 6 deaf were certified last year as per AFS 640. Thank you for your consideration in providing me with a partial exemption to CFR65.71 (a) (2). Robert A. Stewart