Special Conditions: Airbus Model A350-900 Airplanes; Permanently Installed Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries and Battery Systems, 76772-76775 [2013-30231]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules
listed in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (iii)
of this section.
(k) Party. The term ‘‘party’’ with
respect to a covered agreement means
each NGEP and each insured depository
institution or affiliate that entered into
the agreement.
(l) Relevant supervisory agency. The
‘‘relevant supervisory agency’’ for a
covered agreement means the
appropriate Federal banking agency
for—
(1) Each insured depository
institution (or subsidiary thereof) that is
a party to the covered agreement;
(2) Each insured depository
institution (or subsidiary thereof) or
CRA affiliate that makes payments or
loans or provides services that are
subject to the covered agreement; and
(3) Any company (other than an
insured depository institution or
subsidiary thereof) that is a party to the
covered agreement.
(m) State savings association. ‘‘State
savings association’’ has the same
meaning as in section 3(b)(3) of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12
U.S.C. 1813(b)(3)).
(n) Term of agreement. An agreement
that does not have a fixed termination
date is considered to terminate on the
last date on which any party to the
agreement makes any payment or
provides any loan or other resources
under the agreement, unless the relevant
supervisory agency for the agreement
otherwise notifies each party in writing.
PART 390—REGULATIONS
TRANSFERRED FROM THE OFFICE OF
THRIFT SUPERVISION
Subpart H —Disclosure and Reporting
of CRA-Related Agreements
4. The authority citation for part 390
is revised to read as follows:
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
■
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1819.
Subpart A also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1820.
Subpart B also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1818.
Subpart C also issued under 5 U.S.C. 504;
554–557; 12 U.S.C. 1464; 1467; 1468; 1817;
1818; 1820; 1829; 3349, 4717; 15 U.S.C. 78l;
78o–5; 78u–2; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C.
5321; 42 U.S.C. 4012a.
Subpart D also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1817; 1818; 1820; 15 U.S.C. 78l.
Subpart E also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1813; 1831m; 15 U.S.C. 78.
Subpart F also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552;
559; 12 U.S.C. 2901 et seq.
Subpart G also issued under 12 U.S.C. 2810
et seq., 2901 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 1691; 42 U.S.C.
1981, 1982, 3601–3619.
Subpart I also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1831x.
Subpart J also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1831p–1.
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Subpart K also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1817; 1818; 15 U.S.C. 78c; 78l.
Subpart L also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1831p–1.
Subpart M also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1818.
Subpart N also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1821.
Subpart O also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1828.
Subpart P also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1470; 1831e; 1831n; 1831p–1; 3339.
Subpart Q also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462; 1462a; 1463; 1464.
Subpart R also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1463; 1464; 1831m; 1831n; 1831p–1.
Subpart S also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462; 1462a; 1463; 1464; 1468a; 1817; 1820;
1828; 1831e; 1831o; 1831p–1; 1881–1884;
3207; 3339; 15 U.S.C. 78b; 78l; 78m; 78n;
78p; 78q; 78w; 31 U.S.C. 5318; 42 U.S.C.
4106.
Subpart T also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462a; 1463; 1464; 15 U.S.C. 78c; 78l; 78m;
78n; 78w.
Subpart U also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462a; 1463; 1464; 15 U.S.C. 78c; 78l; 78m;
78n; 78p; 78w; 78d–1; 7241; 7242; 7243;
7244; 7261; 7264; 7265.
Subpart V also issued under 12 U.S.C.
3201–3208.
Subpart W also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462a; 1463; 1464; 15 U.S.C. 78c; 78l; 78m;
78n; 78p; 78w.
Subpart X also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462; 1462a; 1463; 1464; 1828; 3331 et seq.
Subpart Y also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1831o.
Subpart Z also issued under 12 U.S.C.
1462; 1462a; 1463; 1464; 1828 (note).
Subpart H—[Removed and Reserved]
5. Remove and reserve subpart H
consisting of §§ 390.160 through
390.170.
■
Dated at Washington, DC, this 10th day of
December, 2013.
By order of the Board of Directors.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Robert E. Feldman,
Executive Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013–29787 Filed 12–18–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6741–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0801; Notice No. 25–
13–41–SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus Model
A350–900 Airplanes; Permanently
Installed Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Batteries and Battery Systems
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special
conditions.
AGENCY:
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Sfmt 4702
This action proposes special
conditions for Airbus Model A350–900
series airplanes. These airplanes will
have a novel or unusual design feature
associated with permanently installed
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems. These batteries have
certain failure, operational, and
maintenance characteristics that differ
significantly from those of the nickelcadmium and lead-acid rechargeable
batteries currently approved for
installation on large transport-category
airplanes. The applicable airworthiness
regulations do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for this
design feature. These proposed special
conditions contain the additional safety
standards that the Administrator
considers necessary to establish a level
of safety equivalent to that established
by the existing airworthiness standards.
DATES: Send your comments on or
before January 21, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Send comments, identified
by docket number FAA–2013–0801,
using any of the following methods:
• Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow
the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Mail: Send comments to Docket
Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC
20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Take
comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12–140 of the West Building
Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except federal holidays.
• Fax: Fax comments to Docket
Operations at 202–493–2251.
Privacy: The FAA will post all
comments it receives, without change,
to https://www.regulations.gov/,
including any personal information the
commenter provides. Using the search
function of the docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the electronic form of
all comments received into any FAA
docket, including the name of the
individual sending the comment (or
signing the comment for an association,
business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement can be
found in the Federal Register published
on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),
as well as at https://Dockets
Info.dot.gov/.
Docket: Background documents or
comments received may be read at
https://www.regulations.gov/ at any time.
Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules
Operations in Room W12–140 of the
West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nazih Khaouly, FAA, Airplane and
Flight Crew Interface Branch, ANM–
111, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington,
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2432;
facsimile 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite interested people to take
part in this rulemaking by sending
written comments, data, or views. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the special
conditions, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data.
We will consider all comments we
receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We may change these special
conditions based on the comments we
receive.
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
Background
On August 25, 2008, Airbus applied
for a type certificate for their new Model
A350–900 series airplane. Later, Airbus
requested, and the FAA approved, an
extension to the application for FAA
type certification to June 28, 2009. The
Model A350–900 series has a
conventional layout with twin wingmounted Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
engines. It features a twin aisle, 9abreast, economy-class layout, and
accommodates side-by-side placement
of LD–3 containers in the cargo
compartment. The basic Model A350–
900 series configuration accommodates
315 passengers in a standard two-class
arrangement. The design cruise speed is
Mach 0.85 with a maximum take-off
weight of 602,000 lbs. Airbus proposes
the Model A350–900 series to be
certified for extended operations
(ETOPS) beyond 180 minutes at entry
into service for up to a 420-minute
maximum diversion time.
Existing airworthiness regulations did
not anticipate the use of lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems on aircraft.
Lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems have new hazards that were not
contemplated when the existing
regulations were issued. In Title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
25.1353, the FAA provided an
airworthiness standard for lead-acid
batteries and nickel-cadmium batteries.
These special conditions provide an
equivalent level of safety as that of the
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existing regulation. The current
regulations are not adequate for
rechargeable lithium-battery and battery
system installations. Additional
lithium-battery and battery system
special conditions are required to
ensure the same level of safety as set
forth by the existing regulation intended
for other battery technology.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17,
Airbus must show that the Model A350–
900 series meets the applicable
provisions of 14 CFR part 25, as
amended by Amendments 25–1 through
25–128.
The FAA has determined that Airbus
Model A350–900 series airplanes must
comply with the following sections:
§ 25.863(a) through (d), Amendment 25–
61 and Amendment 25–66.
If the Administrator finds that the
applicable airworthiness regulations
(i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for the Model A350–900 series because
of a novel or unusual design feature,
special conditions are prescribed under
§ 21.16.
Special conditions are initially
applicable to the model or series for
which they are issued. Should the type
certificate for that model be amended
later to include any other model that
incorporates the same or similar novel
or unusual design feature, the special
conditions would also apply to the other
model under § 21.101.
In addition to the applicable
airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A350–900
airplane must comply with the fuel-vent
and exhaust-emission requirements of
14 CFR part 34, the noise-certification
requirements of 14 CFR part 36, and the
FAA must issue a finding of regulatory
adequacy under § 611 of Public Law 92–
574, the ‘‘Noise Control Act of 1972.’’
The FAA issues special conditions, as
defined in § 11.19, under § 11.38, and
they become part of the typecertification basis under § 21.17(a)(2).
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Airbus Model A350–900 airplane
will incorporate the following novel or
unusual design features: permanently
installed rechargeable lithium batteries
and lithium battery systems.
Discussion
The current regulations governing
installation of batteries in large
transport-category airplanes were
derived from Civil Air Regulations
(CAR) part 4b.625(d) as part of the recodification of CAR 4b that established
14 CFR part 25 in February 1965. The
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new battery requirements,
§ 25.1353(c)(1) through (c)(4), basically
reworded the CAR requirements.
Increased use of nickel-cadmium
batteries in small airplanes resulted in
increased incidents of battery fires and
failures which led to additional
rulemaking affecting large transportcategory airplanes as well as small
airplanes. On September 1, 1977 and
March 1, 1978, the FAA issued
§ 25.1353(c)(5) and (c)(6), respectively,
governing nickel-cadmium battery
installations on large transport-category
airplanes.
The proposed use of lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems for
equipment and systems on Airbus
Model A350 airplanes has prompted the
FAA to review the adequacy of these
existing regulations. Our review
indicates that the existing regulations do
not adequately address several failure,
operational, and maintenance
characteristics of lithium-ion batteries
and battery systems that could affect the
safety and reliability of the Airbus
model A350–900 airplane rechargeable
lithium batteries and rechargeable
lithium-battery-system installations.
At present, commercial aviation has
limited experience with use of
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems in applications
involving commercial aviation.
However, other users of this technology,
ranging from wireless telephone
manufacturers to the electric-vehicle
industry, have noted potential hazards
with lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems. These problems include
overcharging, over-discharging, and
flammability of cell components.
1. Overcharging
In general, lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems are significantly more
susceptible to internal failures that can
result in self-sustaining increases in
temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal
runaway) than their nickel-cadmium or
lead-acid counterparts. This condition is
especially true for overcharging, which
causes heating and destabilization of the
components of the cell, leading to the
formation (by plating) of highly unstable
metallic lithium. The metallic lithium
can ignite, resulting in a self-sustaining
fire or explosion. Finally, the severity of
thermal runaway, due to overcharging,
increases with increasing battery
capacity due to the higher amount of
electrolyte in large batteries.
2. Over-Discharging
Discharge of some types of lithiumion batteries and battery systems,
beyond a certain voltage (typically 2.4
volts), can cause corrosion of the
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules
electrodes of the cell, resulting in loss
of battery capacity that cannot be
reversed by recharging. This loss of
capacity may not be detected by the
simple voltage measurements
commonly available to flightcrews as a
means of checking battery status—a
problem shared with nickel-cadmium
batteries.
3. Flammability of Cell Components
Unlike nickel-cadmium and lead-acid
batteries, some types of lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems use liquid
electrolytes that are flammable. The
electrolyte can serve as a source of fuel
for an external fire if there is a breach
of the battery container.
The problems lithium-ion battery and
battery-system users experience raise
concern about the use of these batteries
in commercial aviation. The intent of
the proposed special conditions is to
establish appropriate airworthiness
standards for lithium-ion battery
installations in Airbus Model A350–900
airplanes and to ensure, as required by
§§ 25.1309 and 25.601, that these
lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems will not result in an unsafe
condition. To address these concerns,
these special conditions adopt the
following requirements:
• Those sections of 14 CFR 25.1353
that are applicable to lithium ion
batteries.
• The flammable fluid fire protection
requirements of 14 CFR 25.863. In the
past, this rule was not applied to
batteries of transport category airplanes,
since the electrolytes used in lead-acid
and nickel-cadmium batteries are not
flammable.
• New requirements to address the
hazards of overcharging and overdischarging that are unique to lithium
ion batteries.
• New maintenance requirements to
ensure that batteries used as spares are
maintained in an appropriate state of
charge.
These special conditions are similar
to lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems special conditions adopted for
the Boeing Model 787 (72 FR 57842;
October 11, 2007).
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
Applicability
As discussed above, these special
conditions are applicable to the Airbus
Model A350–900 series airplanes.
Should Airbus apply later for a change
to the type certificate to include another
model incorporating the same novel or
unusual design feature, the special
conditions would apply to that model as
well.
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Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel
or unusual design features on Airbus
Model A350–900 series airplanes. It is
not a rule of general applicability.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements.
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of
the type certification basis for Airbus
Model A350–900 airplanes.
These proposed special conditions
require that (1) all characteristics of the
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems, and their installation,
that could affect safe operation of
Airbus Model A350–900 airplanes, are
addressed, and (2) appropriate
Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness, which include
maintenance requirements, are
established to ensure the availability of
electrical power, when needed, from the
batteries.
The FAA proposes that the following
special conditions apply to all
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems on Airbus Model A350–
900 airplanes, in lieu of the
requirements of § 25.1353(b)(1) through
(b)(4) at Amendment 25–113:
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
and battery systems on Airbus Model
A350–900 airplanes must be designed
and installed as follows:
1. Safe cell temperatures and
pressures must be maintained during
any foreseeable charging or discharging
condition, and during any failure of the
charging or battery monitoring system
not shown to be extremely remote. The
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems must preclude
explosion in the event of those failures.
2. Design of the rechargeable lithiumion batteries and battery systems must
preclude the occurrence of selfsustaining, uncontrolled increases in
temperature or pressure.
3. No explosive or toxic gases emitted
by any rechargeable lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems in normal
operation, or as the result of any failure
of the battery charging system,
monitoring system, or battery
installation that is not shown to be
extremely remote, may accumulate in
hazardous quantities within the
airplane.
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Sfmt 4702
4. Installations of rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems must meet the requirements of
§ 25.863(a) through (d).
5. No corrosive fluids or gases that
may escape from any lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems may
damage surrounding structure or any
adjacent systems, equipment, or
electrical wiring of the airplane in such
a way as to cause a major or more severe
failure condition, in accordance with
§ 25.1309 (b) and applicable regulatory
guidance.
6. Each lithium-ion battery and
battery system must have provisions to
prevent any hazardous effect on
structure or essential systems caused by
the maximum amount of heat the
battery can generate during a short
circuit of the battery or of its individual
cells.
7. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
and battery systems must have a system
to automatically control the charging
rate of the battery, so as to prevent
battery overheating or overcharging,
and:
i. A battery-temperature sensing and
over-temperature warning system with a
means for automatically disconnecting
the battery from its charging source in
the event of an over-temperature
condition, or,
ii. A battery-failure sensing and
warning system with a means for
automatically disconnecting the battery
from its charging source in the event of
battery failure.
8. Any rechargeable lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems, the
function of which are required for safe
operation of the airplane, must
incorporate a monitoring and warning
feature that will provide an indication
to the appropriate flight crewmembers
whenever the state-of-charge of the
batteries has fallen below levels
considered acceptable for dispatch of
the airplane.
9. The Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness required by § 25.1529
must contain maintenance requirements
to assure that the lithium-ion batteries
are sufficiently charged at appropriate
intervals specified by the battery
manufacturer and the equipment
manufacturer of the rechargeable
lithium-ion battery or rechargeable
lithium-ion battery system. This is
required to ensure that rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems will not degrade below
specified ampere-hour levels sufficient
to power the aircraft system, for
intended applications. The Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness must also
contain procedures for the maintenance
of batteries in spares storage to prevent
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules
the replacement of batteries with
batteries that have experienced
degraded charge-retention ability or
other damage due to prolonged storage
at a low state of charge. Replacement
batteries must be of the same
manufacturer and part number as
approved by the FAA. Precautions
should be included in the Instructions
for Continued Airworthiness
maintenance instructions to prevent
mishandling of the rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems, which could result in shortcircuit or other unintentional impact
damage caused by dropping or other
destructive means.
Note 1: The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’
means that the battery will retain enough of
a charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to
ensure that the battery cells will not be
damaged. A battery cell may be damaged by
lowering the charge below a point where the
battery experiences a reduction in the ability
to charge and retain a full charge. This
reduction would be greater than the
reduction that may result from normal
operational degradation.
Note 2: These special conditions are not
intended to replace § 25.1353(b) at
Amendment 25–113 in the certification basis
for Airbus Model A350–900 airplanes. These
special conditions apply only to rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems and
their installations. The requirements of
§ 25.1353(b) at Amendment 25–113 remain in
effect for batteries and battery installations
on Airbus Model A350–900 airplanes that do
not use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 10, 2013.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–30231 Filed 12–18–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1
[Docket No. FAA–2013–1002; Notice No. 25–
13–36–SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus, Model
A350–900 Series Airplane; Lightning
Protection of Fuel Tank Structure To
Prevent Fuel Tank Vapor Ignition
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special
conditions.
AGENCY:
This action proposes special
conditions for the Airbus Model A350–
900 series airplanes. These airplanes
SUMMARY:
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15:17 Dec 18, 2013
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will have a novel or unusual design
feature(s) that will incorporate a
nitrogen generation system (NGS) for all
fuel tanks that actively reduce
flammability exposure within the fuel
tanks significantly below that required
by the fuel tank flammability
regulations. Among other benefits, the
NGS significantly reduces the potential
for fuel vapor ignition caused by
lightning strikes. The applicable
airworthiness regulations do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for this design feature. These proposed
special conditions contain the
additional safety standards that the
Administrator considers necessary to
establish a level of safety equivalent to
that established by the existing
airworthiness standards.
DATES: Send your comments on or
before February 3, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified
by docket number FAA–2013–1002
using any of the following methods:
• Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/and follow
the online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Mail: Send comments to Docket
Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West
Building Ground Floor, Washington,
DC, 20590–0001.
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Take
comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12–140 of the West Building
Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 8
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except federal holidays.
• Fax: Fax comments to Docket
Operations at 202–493–2251.
Privacy: The FAA will post all
comments it receives, without change,
to https://www.regulations.gov/,
including any personal information the
commenter provides. Using the search
function of the docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the electronic form of
all comments received into any FAA
docket, including the name of the
individual sending the comment (or
signing the comment for an association,
business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s
complete Privacy Act Statement can be
found in the Federal Register published
on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),
as well as at https://DocketsInfo.dot.
gov/.
Docket: Background documents or
comments received may be read at
https://www.regulations.gov/at any time.
Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket
Operations in Room W12–140 of the
West Building Ground Floor at 1200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
76775
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Doug Bryant, Propulsion/Mechanical
Systems, ANM–112, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, Washington, 98057–3356;
telephone (425) 227–2384; facsimile
(425) 227–1320.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite interested people to take
part in this rulemaking by sending
written comments, data, or views. The
most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the special
conditions, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data.
We will consider all comments we
receive on or before the closing date for
comments. We may change these special
conditions based on the comments we
receive.
Background
On August 25, 2008, Airbus applied
for a type certificate for their new
Airbus Model A350–900 series airplane.
Later, Airbus requested and the FAA
approved an extension to the
application for FAA type certification to
June 28, 2009. The Model A350–900
series has a conventional layout with
twin wing-mounted Rolls-Royce Trent
XWB engines. It features a twin aisle 9abreast economy class layout, and
accommodates side-by-side placement
of LD–3 containers in the cargo
compartment. The basic Model A350–
900 series configuration will
accommodate 315 passengers in a
standard two-class arrangement. The
design cruise speed is Mach 0.85 with
a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 602,000
lbs. Airbus proposes the Model A350–
900 series to be certified for extended
operations (ETOPS) beyond 180 minutes
at entry into service for up to a 420minute maximum diversion time.
Type Certification Basis
Under Title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) 21.17, Airbus must
show that the Model A350–900 series
meets the applicable provisions of 14
CFR part 25, as amended by
Amendments 25–1 through 25–129.
If the Administrator finds that the
applicable airworthiness regulations
(i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards
for the Model A350–900 series because
of a novel or unusual design feature,
special conditions are prescribed under
§ 21.16.
E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM
19DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76772-76775]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30231]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0801; Notice No. 25-13-41-SC]
Special Conditions: Airbus Model A350-900 Airplanes; Permanently
Installed Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries and Battery Systems
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.
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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for Airbus Model A350-
900 series airplanes. These airplanes will have a novel or unusual
design feature associated with permanently installed rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems. These batteries have certain
failure, operational, and maintenance characteristics that differ
significantly from those of the nickel-cadmium and lead-acid
rechargeable batteries currently approved for installation on large
transport-category airplanes. The applicable airworthiness regulations
do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design
feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional
safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to
establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the
existing airworthiness standards.
DATES: Send your comments on or before January 21, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Send comments, identified by docket number FAA-2013-0801,
using any of the following methods:
Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without
change, to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11,
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at https://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
https://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket
[[Page 76773]]
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nazih Khaouly, FAA, Airplane and
Flight Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington, 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2432; facsimile 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing
date for comments. We may change these special conditions based on the
comments we receive.
Background
On August 25, 2008, Airbus applied for a type certificate for their
new Model A350-900 series airplane. Later, Airbus requested, and the
FAA approved, an extension to the application for FAA type
certification to June 28, 2009. The Model A350-900 series has a
conventional layout with twin wing-mounted Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
engines. It features a twin aisle, 9-abreast, economy-class layout, and
accommodates side-by-side placement of LD-3 containers in the cargo
compartment. The basic Model A350-900 series configuration accommodates
315 passengers in a standard two-class arrangement. The design cruise
speed is Mach 0.85 with a maximum take-off weight of 602,000 lbs.
Airbus proposes the Model A350-900 series to be certified for extended
operations (ETOPS) beyond 180 minutes at entry into service for up to a
420-minute maximum diversion time.
Existing airworthiness regulations did not anticipate the use of
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems on aircraft. Lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems have new hazards that were not
contemplated when the existing regulations were issued. In Title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 25.1353, the FAA provided an
airworthiness standard for lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium
batteries. These special conditions provide an equivalent level of
safety as that of the existing regulation. The current regulations are
not adequate for rechargeable lithium-battery and battery system
installations. Additional lithium-battery and battery system special
conditions are required to ensure the same level of safety as set forth
by the existing regulation intended for other battery technology.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Airbus must show that the
Model A350-900 series meets the applicable provisions of 14 CFR part
25, as amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-128.
The FAA has determined that Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes
must comply with the following sections: Sec. 25.863(a) through (d),
Amendment 25-61 and Amendment 25-66.
If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for the Model A350-900 series because of a
novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed
under Sec. 21.16.
Special conditions are initially applicable to the model or series
for which they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model
be amended later to include any other model that incorporates the same
or similar novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions
would also apply to the other model under Sec. 21.101.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Airbus Model A350-900 airplane must comply with the
fuel-vent and exhaust-emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34, the
noise-certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36, and the FAA must
issue a finding of regulatory adequacy under Sec. 611 of Public Law
92-574, the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''
The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in Sec. 11.19, under
Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type-certification basis under
Sec. 21.17(a)(2).
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Airbus Model A350-900 airplane will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design features: permanently installed rechargeable
lithium batteries and lithium battery systems.
Discussion
The current regulations governing installation of batteries in
large transport-category airplanes were derived from Civil Air
Regulations (CAR) part 4b.625(d) as part of the re-codification of CAR
4b that established 14 CFR part 25 in February 1965. The new battery
requirements, Sec. 25.1353(c)(1) through (c)(4), basically reworded
the CAR requirements.
Increased use of nickel-cadmium batteries in small airplanes
resulted in increased incidents of battery fires and failures which led
to additional rulemaking affecting large transport-category airplanes
as well as small airplanes. On September 1, 1977 and March 1, 1978, the
FAA issued Sec. 25.1353(c)(5) and (c)(6), respectively, governing
nickel-cadmium battery installations on large transport-category
airplanes.
The proposed use of lithium-ion batteries and battery systems for
equipment and systems on Airbus Model A350 airplanes has prompted the
FAA to review the adequacy of these existing regulations. Our review
indicates that the existing regulations do not adequately address
several failure, operational, and maintenance characteristics of
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems that could affect the safety
and reliability of the Airbus model A350-900 airplane rechargeable
lithium batteries and rechargeable lithium-battery-system
installations.
At present, commercial aviation has limited experience with use of
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems in applications
involving commercial aviation. However, other users of this technology,
ranging from wireless telephone manufacturers to the electric-vehicle
industry, have noted potential hazards with lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems. These problems include overcharging, over-discharging,
and flammability of cell components.
1. Overcharging
In general, lithium-ion batteries and battery systems are
significantly more susceptible to internal failures that can result in
self-sustaining increases in temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal
runaway) than their nickel-cadmium or lead-acid counterparts. This
condition is especially true for overcharging, which causes heating and
destabilization of the components of the cell, leading to the formation
(by plating) of highly unstable metallic lithium. The metallic lithium
can ignite, resulting in a self-sustaining fire or explosion. Finally,
the severity of thermal runaway, due to overcharging, increases with
increasing battery capacity due to the higher amount of electrolyte in
large batteries.
2. Over-Discharging
Discharge of some types of lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems, beyond a certain voltage (typically 2.4 volts), can cause
corrosion of the
[[Page 76774]]
electrodes of the cell, resulting in loss of battery capacity that
cannot be reversed by recharging. This loss of capacity may not be
detected by the simple voltage measurements commonly available to
flightcrews as a means of checking battery status--a problem shared
with nickel-cadmium batteries.
3. Flammability of Cell Components
Unlike nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, some types of
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems use liquid electrolytes that
are flammable. The electrolyte can serve as a source of fuel for an
external fire if there is a breach of the battery container.
The problems lithium-ion battery and battery-system users
experience raise concern about the use of these batteries in commercial
aviation. The intent of the proposed special conditions is to establish
appropriate airworthiness standards for lithium-ion battery
installations in Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes and to ensure, as
required by Sec. Sec. 25.1309 and 25.601, that these lithium-ion
batteries and battery systems will not result in an unsafe condition.
To address these concerns, these special conditions adopt the following
requirements:
Those sections of 14 CFR 25.1353 that are applicable to
lithium ion batteries.
The flammable fluid fire protection requirements of 14 CFR
25.863. In the past, this rule was not applied to batteries of
transport category airplanes, since the electrolytes used in lead-acid
and nickel-cadmium batteries are not flammable.
New requirements to address the hazards of overcharging
and over-discharging that are unique to lithium ion batteries.
New maintenance requirements to ensure that batteries used
as spares are maintained in an appropriate state of charge.
These special conditions are similar to lithium-ion batteries and
battery systems special conditions adopted for the Boeing Model 787 (72
FR 57842; October 11, 2007).
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes. Should Airbus apply later for a
change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating
the same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would
apply to that model as well.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on Airbus Model A350-900 series airplanes. It is not a rule of general
applicability.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes.
These proposed special conditions require that (1) all
characteristics of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems, and their installation, that could affect safe operation of
Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes, are addressed, and (2) appropriate
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, which include maintenance
requirements, are established to ensure the availability of electrical
power, when needed, from the batteries.
The FAA proposes that the following special conditions apply to all
rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems on Airbus Model
A350-900 airplanes, in lieu of the requirements of Sec. 25.1353(b)(1)
through (b)(4) at Amendment 25-113:
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems on Airbus
Model A350-900 airplanes must be designed and installed as follows:
1. Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained during
any foreseeable charging or discharging condition, and during any
failure of the charging or battery monitoring system not shown to be
extremely remote. The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems must preclude explosion in the event of those failures.
2. Design of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems must preclude the occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrolled
increases in temperature or pressure.
3. No explosive or toxic gases emitted by any rechargeable lithium-
ion batteries and battery systems in normal operation, or as the result
of any failure of the battery charging system, monitoring system, or
battery installation that is not shown to be extremely remote, may
accumulate in hazardous quantities within the airplane.
4. Installations of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery
systems must meet the requirements of Sec. 25.863(a) through (d).
5. No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any lithium-
ion batteries and battery systems may damage surrounding structure or
any adjacent systems, equipment, or electrical wiring of the airplane
in such a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition, in
accordance with Sec. 25.1309 (b) and applicable regulatory guidance.
6. Each lithium-ion battery and battery system must have provisions
to prevent any hazardous effect on structure or essential systems
caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery can generate during a
short circuit of the battery or of its individual cells.
7. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems must have
a system to automatically control the charging rate of the battery, so
as to prevent battery overheating or overcharging, and:
i. A battery-temperature sensing and over-temperature warning
system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from
its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition, or,
ii. A battery-failure sensing and warning system with a means for
automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the
event of battery failure.
8. Any rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems, the
function of which are required for safe operation of the airplane, must
incorporate a monitoring and warning feature that will provide an
indication to the appropriate flight crewmembers whenever the state-of-
charge of the batteries has fallen below levels considered acceptable
for dispatch of the airplane.
9. The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness required by Sec.
25.1529 must contain maintenance requirements to assure that the
lithium-ion batteries are sufficiently charged at appropriate intervals
specified by the battery manufacturer and the equipment manufacturer of
the rechargeable lithium-ion battery or rechargeable lithium-ion
battery system. This is required to ensure that rechargeable lithium-
ion batteries and battery systems will not degrade below specified
ampere-hour levels sufficient to power the aircraft system, for
intended applications. The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
must also contain procedures for the maintenance of batteries in spares
storage to prevent
[[Page 76775]]
the replacement of batteries with batteries that have experienced
degraded charge-retention ability or other damage due to prolonged
storage at a low state of charge. Replacement batteries must be of the
same manufacturer and part number as approved by the FAA. Precautions
should be included in the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness
maintenance instructions to prevent mishandling of the rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries and battery systems, which could result in short-
circuit or other unintentional impact damage caused by dropping or
other destructive means.
Note 1: The term ``sufficiently charged'' means that the battery
will retain enough of a charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure
that the battery cells will not be damaged. A battery cell may be
damaged by lowering the charge below a point where the battery
experiences a reduction in the ability to charge and retain a full
charge. This reduction would be greater than the reduction that may
result from normal operational degradation.
Note 2: These special conditions are not intended to replace
Sec. 25.1353(b) at Amendment 25-113 in the certification basis for
Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes. These special conditions apply only
to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery systems and their
installations. The requirements of Sec. 25.1353(b) at Amendment 25-
113 remain in effect for batteries and battery installations on
Airbus Model A350-900 airplanes that do not use rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2013.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-30231 Filed 12-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
