AFS-16-6831-E April 20, 2016

Exemption No. 16440 Regulatory Docket No. FAA-2016-2932

Mr. Jordan Jones 900 Long Blvd, #785 Lansing, MI 48911

Dear Mr. Jones:

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 September 21, 2015, you petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an exemption from § 65.71 (a)(2) of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) to the extent necessary to allow you to use a sign language interpreter to take the oral and practical examinations for the mechanic certificate and associated ratings, because you are hearing impaired and unable to communicate through speech.

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 a grant of exemption in circumstances similar in all material respects to those presented in your petition. In Grant of Exemption No. 6015 (copy enclosed), the FAA found that 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—2

 they are similar in all material respects to relief previously requested in the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 6015;

 the reasons stated by the FAA for granting the enclosed Grant of Exemption No. 6015 also apply to the situation you present; and

 for the reasons stated in Grant of Exemption No. 6015 a grant of exemption is in the public interest.

Our Decision

Under the authority contained in 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113 and 44701, which the FAA Administrator has delegated to me, I hereby grant Mr. Jordan Jones an exemption from 14 CFR § 65.71 (a)(2) to the extent necessary to allow Mr. Jones to use a sign language interpreter to take the oral and practical examinations for the mechanic certificate and associated ratings, because he is hearing impaired and unable to communicate through speech, subject to the conditions and limitations described below.

Conditions and Limitations

1. Mr. Jones shall meet all other portions of § 65.71(a)(2) and demonstrate his ability to read, write, and understand the English language.

2. Mr. Jones must comply with the provisions of § 65.79. He may use 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 (A&P) 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 A&P mechanic performing these duties should be able to speak and hear; therefore, Mr. Jones may not perform these tasks because of safety concerns.

4. A copy of this 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 Safety 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. Any limitation in the grant letter should be sent to the Department of Transportation, Federal

Aviation Administration, Airman Certifica tion Branch (AFS-760), Registry Building,3

6425 South Denning Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73169.

7. Mr. Jones must provide a copy of the exemption, if requested, to the airman’s employer, a potential employer, and any FAA Aviation Safety Inspector in the performance of their

duties.

8. Questions about Mr. Jones knowledge, skill testing, or recording process for airman

certification files should be directed to th e Flight Standards Service Regulatory Support Division (AFS-640) in Oklahoma City, or th e Flight Standards Services Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) in Washington, D.C.

This exemption terminates on April 30, 2018, unless sooner superseded or rescinded.

Sincerely,

//s//

John S. Duncan Director, Flight Standards Service

Enclosure Exemption No. 6015