Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space Model No. C-295 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, 640-642 [2019-28013]

Download as PDF 640 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations reviewed to reduce information requirements and duplication by industry and public sector agencies. As noted in the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, USDA has not identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with this final rule. AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. A proposed rule concerning this action was published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2019 (84 FR 52384). Copies of the proposed rule were provided to all Washington apricot handlers. The proposal was also made available through the internet by USDA and the Office of the Federal Register. A 30-day comment period ending November 1, 2019, was provided for interested persons to respond to the proposal. No comments were received. Accordingly, no changes will be made to the rule as proposed. A small business guide on complying with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop marketing agreements and orders may be viewed at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ rules-regulations/moa/small-businesses. Any questions about the compliance guide should be sent to Richard Lower at the previously mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. After consideration of all relevant material presented, including the information and recommendation submitted by the Committee and other available information, it is hereby found that this rule will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 922 Apricots, Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 922 is amended as follows: PART 922—APRICOTS GROWN IN DESIGNATED COUNTIES IN WASHINGTON 1. The authority citation for part 922 continues to read as follows: ■ khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 2. Section 922.235 is revised to read as follows: ■ § 922.235 Assessment rate. On and after April 1, 2019, an assessment rate of $2.86 per ton is established for Washington apricots handled in the production area. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:36 Jan 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 Dated: December 20, 2019. Bruce Summers, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2019–28056 Filed 1–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2019–1103; Special Conditions No. 25–764–SC] Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space Model No. C–295 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments. AGENCY: These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Defense and Space (Airbus) Model C–295 airplane. This airplane will have novel or unusual design features when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. The Airbus Model C–295 airplane will have nonrechargeable lithium battery installations. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These 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: This action is effective on Airbus on January 7, 2020. Send comments on or before February 21, 2020. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA–2019–1103 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 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 website, 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). 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 Docket 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, Airplane and Flight Crew Interface Section, AIR–671, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, Washington 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3160; email Nazih.Khaouly@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Emergency Locator Transmitters on Airplanes Operating in Alaska Section 1205 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the FAA to consider the extent to which Alaska is not served by transportation modes other than aviation and to establish appropriate regulatory distinctions when modifying airworthiness regulations that affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. In consideration of this requirement and the overall impact on safety, the FAA does not intend to require nonrechargeable lithium battery special conditions for design changes that only replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) emergency locator transmitter (ELT) with a 406 MHz ELT that meets Technical Standard Order C126b, or later revision, on transport airplanes operating only in Alaska. This will support our efforts of encouraging operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 MHz ELT. These ELTs provide significantly improved accuracy for lifesaving services to locate an accident site in Alaskan terrain. The FAA considers that the safety benefits from upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT for E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM 07JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Alaskan operations will outweigh the battery fire risk. Comments Invited The substance of these special conditions has been published in the Federal Register for public comment in several prior instances with no substantive comments received. Therefore, the FAA has determined that prior public notice and comment are unnecessary, and finds that, for the same reason, good cause exists for adopting these special conditions upon publication in the Federal Register. The FAA invites 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. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date for comments. The FAA may change these special conditions based on the comments received. Background On September 19, 2014, Airbus applied to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a change to EASA Type Certificate No. EASA.A.186 to install non-rechargeable lithium batteries in the Airbus Model C–295 airplane. On December 18, 2018, EASA forwarded an Airbus application to the FAA to validate this same change in the Model C–295 airplane for FAA Type Certificate No. A21NM. On November 22, 2019, Airbus filed for an extension to their original EASA application, which resulted in an agreement that December 20, 2014 be the new application date. The Airbus Model C– 295 airplane is a twin engine, transport category airplane configured for freighter use, with a maximum takeoff weight of 46,300 pounds. The FAA is issuing these special conditions for non-rechargeable lithium battery installations on the Airbus Model C–295 airplane. The current battery requirements in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 are inadequate for addressing an airplane with non-rechargeable lithium batteries. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Airbus must show that the Model C–295 airplane, as changed, continues to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in Type Certificate No. A21NM, or the applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the change, VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:36 Jan 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 except for earlier amendments as agreed upon by the FAA. If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness regulations (e.g., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the Airbus Model C–295 airplane because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of § 21.16. Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these 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 C–295 airplane must comply with the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36. The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance with § 11.38, and they become part of the type certification basis under § 21.101. Novel or Unusual Design Features The Airbus Model C–295 airplane will incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: The Airbus C–295 airplane will have non-rechargeable lithium battery installations. Discussion The FAA derived the current regulations governing installation of batteries in transport category airplanes from Civil Air Regulations (CAR) 4b.625(d) as part of the recodification of CAR 4b that established 14 CFR part 25 in February 1965. This recodification basically reworded the CAR 4b battery requirements, which are currently in § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4). Nonrechargeable lithium batteries are novel and unusual with respect to the state of technology considered when these requirements were codified. These batteries introduce higher energy levels into airplane systems through new chemical compositions in various battery cell sizes and construction. Interconnection of these cells in battery packs introduces failure modes that require unique design considerations, PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 641 such as provisions for thermal management. Recent events involving rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries prompted the FAA to initiate a broad evaluation of these energy storage technologies. In January 2013, two independent events involving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries revealed unanticipated failure modes. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) letter to the FAA, dated May 22, 2014, which is available at https:// www.ntsb.gov, filename A–14–032– 036.pdf, describes these events. On July 12, 2013, an event involving a non-rechargeable lithium battery in an ELT installation demonstrated unanticipated failure modes. The United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch Bulletin S5/2013 describes this event. Some known uses of rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries on airplanes include: • Flight deck and avionics systems such as displays, global positioning systems, cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, underwater locator beacons, navigation computers, integrated avionics computers, satellite network and communication systems, communication management units, and remote-monitor electronic linereplaceable units; • Cabin safety, entertainment, and communications equipment, including emergency locator transmitters, life rafts, escape slides, seatbelt air bags, cabin management systems, Ethernet switches, routers and media servers, wireless systems, internet and in-flight entertainment systems, satellite televisions, remotes, and handsets; • Systems in cargo areas including door controls, sensors, video surveillance equipment, and security systems. Some known potential hazards and failure modes associated with nonrechargeable lithium batteries are: • Internal failures: In general, these batteries 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. The metallic lithium can ignite, resulting in a selfsustaining fire or explosion. • Fast or imbalanced discharging: Fast discharging or an imbalanced discharge of one cell of a multi-cell battery may create an overheating condition that results in an uncontrollable venting condition, which in turn leads to a thermal event or an explosion. E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM 07JAR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 642 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2020 / Rules and Regulations • Flammability: Unlike nickelcadmium and lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries use higher energy and current in an electrochemical system that can be configured to maximize energy storage of lithium. They also use liquid electrolytes that can be extremely flammable. The electrolyte, as well as the electrodes, can serve as a source of fuel for an external fire if the battery casing is breached. Special condition no. 1 of these special conditions requires that each individual cell within a nonrechargeable lithium battery be designed to maintain safe temperatures and pressures. Special condition no. 2 addresses these same issues but for the entire battery. Special condition no. 2 also requires the battery be designed to prevent propagation of a thermal event, such as self-sustained, uncontrollable increases in temperature or pressure from one cell to adjacent cells. Special condition nos. 1 and 2 are intended to ensure that the nonrechargeable lithium battery and its cells are designed to eliminate the potential for uncontrollable failures. However, a certain number of failures will occur due to various factors beyond the control of the battery designer. Therefore, other special conditions are intended to protect the airplane and its occupants if failure occurs. Special condition nos. 3, 7, and 8 are self-explanatory. Special condition no. 4 makes it clear that the flammable-fluid fire protection requirements of § 25.863 apply to nonrechargeable lithium battery installations. Section 25.863 is applicable to areas of the airplane that could be exposed to flammable fluid leakage from airplane systems. Nonrechargeable lithium batteries contain an electrolyte that is a flammable fluid. Special condition no. 5 requires that each non-rechargeable lithium battery installation not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in such a way as to cause a major or more-severe failure condition. While special condition no. 5 addresses corrosive fluids and gases, special condition no. 6 addresses heat. Special condition no. 6 requires that each non-rechargeable lithium battery installation have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery installation can generate, due to any failure of it or its individual cells. The means of meeting special condition nos. 5 and 6 may be the same, but the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:19 Jan 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 requirements are independent and address different hazards. These special conditions apply to all non-rechargeable lithium battery installations in lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at Amendment 25–123, or § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments. Those regulations remain in effect for other battery installations. These 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. Applicability As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the Airbus Model C–295 airplane. Should Airbus apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. These special conditions are not applicable to changes to previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations where the only change is either cosmetic or to relocate the installation to improve the safety of the airplane and occupants. Previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations, as used in this paragraph, are those installations approved for certification projects applied for on or before the effective date of these special conditions. A cosmetic change is a change in appearance only, and does not change any function or safety characteristic of the battery installation. These special conditions are also not applicable to unchanged, previously certified nonrechargeable lithium battery installations that are affected by a change in a manner that improves the safety of its installation. The FAA determined that these exclusions are in the public interest because the need to meet all of the special conditions might otherwise deter these design changes that improve safety. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Authority Citation The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704. The Special Conditions Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of the type certification basis for Airbus Defense and Space Model C–295 airplanes. ■ Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations In lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at Amendment 25–123, or § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments, each non-rechargeable lithium battery installation must: 1. Be designed to maintain safe cell temperatures and pressures under all foreseeable operating conditions to prevent fire and explosion. 2. Be designed to prevent the occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrollable increases in temperature or pressure. 3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, either in normal operation or as a result of its failure that may accumulate in hazardous quantities within the airplane. 4. Meet the requirements of § 25.863. 5. Not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in such a way as to cause a major or more-severe failure condition. 6. Have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat it can generate due to any failure of it or its individual cells. 7. Have a failure-sensing and warning system to alert the flightcrew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane. 8. Have a means for the flightcrew or maintenance personnel to determine the battery charge state if the battery’s function is required for safe operation of the airplane. Note: A battery system consists of the battery and any protective, monitoring, and alerting circuitry or hardware inside or outside of the battery. It also includes vents (where necessary) and packaging. For the purpose of these special conditions, a ‘‘battery’’ and ‘‘battery system’’ are referred to as a battery. Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 20, 2019. Mary A. Schooley, Acting Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2019–28013 Filed 1–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\07JAR1.SGM 07JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 640-642]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28013]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2019-1103; Special Conditions No. 25-764-SC]


Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space Model No. C-295 
Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Defense and 
Space (Airbus) Model C-295 airplane. This airplane will have novel or 
unusual design features when compared to the state of technology 
envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category 
airplanes. The Airbus Model C-295 airplane will have non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations. The applicable airworthiness regulations 
do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design 
feature. These 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: This action is effective on Airbus on January 7, 2020. Send 
comments on or before February 21, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA-2019-1103 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 9 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 website, 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).
    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 Docket 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, Airplane and Flight 
Crew Interface Section, AIR-671, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and 
Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, Washington 98198; 
telephone and fax 206-231-3160; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Emergency Locator Transmitters on Airplanes Operating in Alaska

    Section 1205 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the 
FAA to consider the extent to which Alaska is not served by 
transportation modes other than aviation and to establish appropriate 
regulatory distinctions when modifying airworthiness regulations that 
affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. In consideration of this 
requirement and the overall impact on safety, the FAA does not intend 
to require non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions for 
design changes that only replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) emergency 
locator transmitter (ELT) with a 406 MHz ELT that meets Technical 
Standard Order C126b, or later revision, on transport airplanes 
operating only in Alaska. This will support our efforts of encouraging 
operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 MHz ELT. These ELTs provide 
significantly improved accuracy for lifesaving services to locate an 
accident site in Alaskan terrain. The FAA considers that the safety 
benefits from upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT for

[[Page 641]]

Alaskan operations will outweigh the battery fire risk.

Comments Invited

    The substance of these special conditions has been published in the 
Federal Register for public comment in several prior instances with no 
substantive comments received. Therefore, the FAA has determined that 
prior public notice and comment are unnecessary, and finds that, for 
the same reason, good cause exists for adopting these special 
conditions upon publication in the Federal Register.
    The FAA invites 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.
    The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date for 
comments. The FAA may change these special conditions based on the 
comments received.

Background

    On September 19, 2014, Airbus applied to the European Union 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a change to EASA Type Certificate No. 
EASA.A.186 to install non-rechargeable lithium batteries in the Airbus 
Model C-295 airplane. On December 18, 2018, EASA forwarded an Airbus 
application to the FAA to validate this same change in the Model C-295 
airplane for FAA Type Certificate No. A21NM. On November 22, 2019, 
Airbus filed for an extension to their original EASA application, which 
resulted in an agreement that December 20, 2014 be the new application 
date. The Airbus Model C-295 airplane is a twin engine, transport 
category airplane configured for freighter use, with a maximum takeoff 
weight of 46,300 pounds.
    The FAA is issuing these special conditions for non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations on the Airbus Model C-295 airplane. The 
current battery requirements in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
(14 CFR) part 25 are inadequate for addressing an airplane with non-
rechargeable lithium batteries.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Airbus must show that the 
Model C-295 airplane, as changed, continues to meet the applicable 
provisions of the regulations listed in Type Certificate No. A21NM, or 
the applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the 
change, except for earlier amendments as agreed upon by the FAA.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (e.g., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the Airbus Model C-295 airplane 
because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are 
prescribed under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or 
unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on 
the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same novel or 
unusual design feature, these 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 C-295 airplane must comply with the fuel 
vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34, and the noise 
certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type 
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Airbus Model C-295 airplane will incorporate the following 
novel or unusual design features:
    The Airbus C-295 airplane will have non-rechargeable lithium 
battery installations.

Discussion

    The FAA derived the current regulations governing installation of 
batteries in transport category airplanes from Civil Air Regulations 
(CAR) 4b.625(d) as part of the recodification of CAR 4b that 
established 14 CFR part 25 in February 1965. This recodification 
basically reworded the CAR 4b battery requirements, which are currently 
in Sec.  25.1353(b)(1) through (4). Non-rechargeable lithium batteries 
are novel and unusual with respect to the state of technology 
considered when these requirements were codified. These batteries 
introduce higher energy levels into airplane systems through new 
chemical compositions in various battery cell sizes and construction. 
Interconnection of these cells in battery packs introduces failure 
modes that require unique design considerations, such as provisions for 
thermal management.
    Recent events involving rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium 
batteries prompted the FAA to initiate a broad evaluation of these 
energy storage technologies. In January 2013, two independent events 
involving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries revealed unanticipated 
failure modes. A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) letter to 
the FAA, dated May 22, 2014, which is available at https://www.ntsb.gov, 
filename A-14-032-036.pdf, describes these events.
    On July 12, 2013, an event involving a non-rechargeable lithium 
battery in an ELT installation demonstrated unanticipated failure 
modes. The United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch Bulletin 
S5/2013 describes this event.
    Some known uses of rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium 
batteries on airplanes include:
     Flight deck and avionics systems such as displays, global 
positioning systems, cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, 
underwater locator beacons, navigation computers, integrated avionics 
computers, satellite network and communication systems, communication 
management units, and remote-monitor electronic line-replaceable units;
     Cabin safety, entertainment, and communications equipment, 
including emergency locator transmitters, life rafts, escape slides, 
seatbelt air bags, cabin management systems, Ethernet switches, routers 
and media servers, wireless systems, internet and in-flight 
entertainment systems, satellite televisions, remotes, and handsets;
     Systems in cargo areas including door controls, sensors, 
video surveillance equipment, and security systems.
    Some known potential hazards and failure modes associated with non-
rechargeable lithium batteries are:
     Internal failures: In general, these batteries 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. The 
metallic lithium can ignite, resulting in a self-sustaining fire or 
explosion.
     Fast or imbalanced discharging: Fast discharging or an 
imbalanced discharge of one cell of a multi-cell battery may create an 
overheating condition that results in an uncontrollable venting 
condition, which in turn leads to a thermal event or an explosion.

[[Page 642]]

     Flammability: Unlike nickel-cadmium and lead-acid 
batteries, lithium batteries use higher energy and current in an 
electrochemical system that can be configured to maximize energy 
storage of lithium. They also use liquid electrolytes that can be 
extremely flammable. The electrolyte, as well as the electrodes, can 
serve as a source of fuel for an external fire if the battery casing is 
breached.
    Special condition no. 1 of these special conditions requires that 
each individual cell within a non-rechargeable lithium battery be 
designed to maintain safe temperatures and pressures. Special condition 
no. 2 addresses these same issues but for the entire battery. Special 
condition no. 2 also requires the battery be designed to prevent 
propagation of a thermal event, such as self-sustained, uncontrollable 
increases in temperature or pressure from one cell to adjacent cells.
    Special condition nos. 1 and 2 are intended to ensure that the non-
rechargeable lithium battery and its cells are designed to eliminate 
the potential for uncontrollable failures. However, a certain number of 
failures will occur due to various factors beyond the control of the 
battery designer. Therefore, other special conditions are intended to 
protect the airplane and its occupants if failure occurs.
    Special condition nos. 3, 7, and 8 are self-explanatory.
    Special condition no. 4 makes it clear that the flammable-fluid 
fire protection requirements of Sec.  25.863 apply to non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations. Section 25.863 is applicable to areas of 
the airplane that could be exposed to flammable fluid leakage from 
airplane systems. Non-rechargeable lithium batteries contain an 
electrolyte that is a flammable fluid.
    Special condition no. 5 requires that each non-rechargeable lithium 
battery installation not damage surrounding structure or adjacent 
systems, equipment, or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases 
that may escape in such a way as to cause a major or more-severe 
failure condition.
    While special condition no. 5 addresses corrosive fluids and gases, 
special condition no. 6 addresses heat. Special condition no. 6 
requires that each non-rechargeable lithium battery installation have 
provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane structure or 
systems caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery installation 
can generate, due to any failure of it or its individual cells. The 
means of meeting special condition nos. 5 and 6 may be the same, but 
the requirements are independent and address different hazards.
    These special conditions apply to all non-rechargeable lithium 
battery installations in lieu of Sec.  25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at 
Amendment 25-123, or Sec.  [thinsp]25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier 
amendments. Those regulations remain in effect for other battery 
installations.
    These 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.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
Airbus Model C-295 airplane. Should Airbus apply at a later date for a 
change to the type certificate to include another model incorporating 
the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions 
would apply to that model as well.
    These special conditions are not applicable to changes to 
previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations 
where the only change is either cosmetic or to relocate the 
installation to improve the safety of the airplane and occupants. 
Previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations, as 
used in this paragraph, are those installations approved for 
certification projects applied for on or before the effective date of 
these special conditions. A cosmetic change is a change in appearance 
only, and does not change any function or safety characteristic of the 
battery installation. These special conditions are also not applicable 
to unchanged, previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery 
installations that are affected by a change in a manner that improves 
the safety of its installation. The FAA determined that these 
exclusions are in the public interest because the need to meet all of 
the special conditions might otherwise deter these design changes that 
improve safety.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

Authority Citation

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Airbus Defense and Space Model C-295 
airplanes.

Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

    In lieu of Sec.  [thinsp]25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at Amendment 25-
123, or Sec.  [thinsp]25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments, 
each non-rechargeable lithium battery installation must:
    1. Be designed to maintain safe cell temperatures and pressures 
under all foreseeable operating conditions to prevent fire and 
explosion.
    2. Be designed to prevent the occurrence of self-sustaining, 
uncontrollable increases in temperature or pressure.
    3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, either in normal operation or 
as a result of its failure that may accumulate in hazardous quantities 
within the airplane.
    4. Meet the requirements of Sec.  25.863.
    5. Not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, 
or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in 
such a way as to cause a major or more-severe failure condition.
    6. Have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane 
structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat it can 
generate due to any failure of it or its individual cells.
    7. Have a failure-sensing and warning system to alert the 
flightcrew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane.
    8. Have a means for the flightcrew or maintenance personnel to 
determine the battery charge state if the battery's function is 
required for safe operation of the airplane.

    Note: A battery system consists of the battery and any 
protective, monitoring, and alerting circuitry or hardware inside or 
outside of the battery. It also includes vents (where necessary) and 
packaging. For the purpose of these special conditions, a 
``battery'' and ``battery system'' are referred to as a battery.


    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 20, 2019.
Mary A. Schooley,
Acting Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-28013 Filed 1-6-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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