AFS-12-304-E

July 17, 2012

 Exemption No. 10587

 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2012-0393

Mr. Robert A. Stewart

1907 Azure Drive

Dothan AL 36303

Dear Mr. Stewart:

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 received May 22, 2012, 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—
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 they are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in the enclosed Grant 

of Exemption Nos. 6015, 6840 and 8324;

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption Nos. 6015, 

6840 and 8324 also apply to the situation you present; and 

 for the reasons stated in Grant of Exemption Nos. 6015, 6840 and 8324 a grant of 

exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

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

Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Mr. Robert Allen Stewart an exemption 

from 14 CFR § 65.71(a)(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, subject to the conditions and limitations described below.

Conditions and Limitations 

1. Mr. Stewart 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. Stewart 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. 

Stewart 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 DOT/FAA, Airman Certification Branch, 

Registry Building (AFS-760), 6425 South Denning Road, Oklahoma City,

OK 73169.

7. Mr. Stewart 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. Stewart’s knowledge, skill testing, or recording process for 

airman certification files should be directed to AFS-640 in Oklahoma City, or 

AFS-350 in Washington D.C.

This exemption terminates on July 31, 2014 unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

/s/

Raymond Towles

Acting Director, Flight Standards

 Service

Enclosures