Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space S.A., C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE Airplanes; Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations, 64063-64065 [2021-25006]

Download as PDF 64063 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 219 Wednesday, November 17, 2021 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 10 CFR Part 52 [NRC–2020–0269] RIN 3150–AK56 Extending the Duration of the AP1000 Design Certification Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date. AGENCY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is confirming the effective date of December 6, 2021, for the direct final rule that was published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2021. This direct final rule amends the NRC’s regulations to update the design to reflect changes provided by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC and to extend the duration of the AP1000 design certification for an additional 5 years. DATES: Effective date: The effective date of December 6, 2021, for the direct final rule published September 22, 2021 (86 FR 52593), is confirmed. ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2020–0269 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may obtain publicly available information related to this action by any of the following methods: • Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC–2020–0269. Address questions about NRC dockets to Dawn Forder; telephone: 301–415–3407; email: Dawn.Forder@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact the individuals listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. • NRC’s Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may obtain publicly available documents online in the khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Nov 16, 2021 Jkt 256001 ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/ adams.html. To begin the search, select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.’’ For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC’s Public Document Room reference staff at 1–800–397–4209, at 301–415–4737, or by email to PDR.Resource@nrc.gov. The ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that it is mentioned in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. • NRC’s PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents, by appointment, at the NRC’s Public Document Room (PDR), Room P1 B35, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852. To make an appointment to visit the PDR, please send an email to PDR.Resource@ nrc.gov or call 1–800–397–4209 or 301– 415–4737, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Doyle, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, telephone: 301– 415–3748, email: Daniel.Doyle@nrc.gov, or Bruce Bavol, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, telephone: 301– 415–6715, email: Bruce.Bavol@nrc.gov. Both are staff of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 22, 2021 (86 FR 52593), the NRC published a direct final rule amending its regulations in part 52 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations to update the design to reflect changes provided by Westinghouse Electric Company LLC and to extend the duration of the AP1000 design certification for an additional 5 years. The NRC received and docketed three comment submissions on the companion proposed rule (86 FR 52619; September 22, 2021). Electronic copies of the comments can be obtained from the Federal rulemaking website https:// www.regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC–2020–0269 and are also available in ADAMS under Accession Nos. ML21280A348, ML21293A316, and ML21293A315. In the direct final rule, the NRC stated that if no significant adverse comments were received, the direct final rule would become effective on December 6, PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2021. The NRC received three comment submissions. The NRC evaluated the submissions against the criteria described in the direct final rule and determined that the comments were not significant and adverse or were outside the scope of the direct final rule. Specifically, one comment submission was from an Indian Tribe, and it requested no further consultation on this project. A second comment submission agreed with this rulemaking and, thus, was not adverse. The third comment submission did not provide any comment for the NRC to consider. Therefore, the direct final rule will become effective as scheduled. Dated: November 12, 2021. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Angella M. Love Blair, Acting Chief, Regulatory Analysis and Rulemaking Support Branch, Division of Rulemaking, Environmental, and Financial Support, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. [FR Doc. 2021–25074 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2021–1045; Special Conditions No. 25–795–SC] Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space S.A., C212–CC/–CD/–CE/– CF/–DF/–DE Airplanes; Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments. AGENCY: These special conditions are issued for the Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Airbus) Model C212–CC/–CD/–CE/ –CF/–DF/–DE airplanes. This airplane, as modified by Airbus Defense and Space, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. This design feature is the emergency lighting installation that contain rechargeable lithium batteries. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\17NOR1.SGM 17NOR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 64064 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 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 November 17, 2021. Send comments on or before January 3, 2022. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA–2021–1045 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: Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received without change to https:// www.regulations.gov/, including any personal information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this proposal. Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this Notice contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this Notice, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and the indicated comments will not be placed in the public docket of this Notice. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Nazih Khaouly, Aircraft Systems, AIR–623, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Nov 16, 2021 Jkt 256001 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. Comments the FAA receives, which are not specifically designated as CBI, will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. 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, Aircraft Systems, AIR– 623, Technical Innovation Policy 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: 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. Comments Invited 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 December 16, 2019, Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. applied for a supplemental type certificate for the installation of rechargeable lithium batteries as part of an emergency lighting installation in the Airbus Model C212–CC/–CD/–CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes. The Airbus Model C212–CC/ –CD/–CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes are twin-engine, transport category aircraft, with capacity for 28 passengers, and a PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 maximum takeoff weight of 16,976 pounds. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.101, Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. must show that the Airbus Model C212–CC/ –CD/–CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes, as changed, continue to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in Type Certificate No. A43EU 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 C212–CC/–CD/– CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes 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 applicant apply for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other model included on the same type certificate 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 C212–CC/ –CD/–CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes 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 Feature The Airbus Model C212–CC/–CD/– CE/–CF/–DF/–DE airplanes will incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: An emergency lighting installation that contains rechargeable lithium batteries. Discussion Rechargeable lithium batteries are considered to be a novel or unusual design feature in transport category airplanes, with respect to the requirements in § 25.1353. This type of battery has 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 transport E:\FR\FM\17NOR1.SGM 17NOR1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Rules and Regulations category airplanes. 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. Special Condition 1 requires that each individual cell within a rechargeable lithium battery be designed to maintain safe temperatures and pressures. Special Condition 2 addresses these same issues but for the entire battery. Special Condition 2 requires the battery be designed to prevent propagation of a thermal event, such as self-sustained, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure from one cell to adjacent cells. Special Conditions 1 and 2 are intended to ensure that the cells and battery 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 designer. Therefore, other special conditions are intended to protect the airplane and its occupants if failure occurs. Special Conditions 3, 7, and 8 are selfexplanatory. Special Condition 4 clarifies that the flammable fluid fire-protection requirements of § 25.863 apply to 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. Rechargeable lithium batteries contain electrolyte that is a flammable fluid. Special Condition 5 requires each rechargeable lithium battery installation to 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. Special Condition 6 requires each rechargeable lithium battery installation to 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. The means of meeting special conditions 5 and 6 may be the same, but they are independent requirements addressing different hazards. Special Condition 5 addresses corrosive fluids and gases, whereas Special Condition 6 addresses heat. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Nov 16, 2021 Jkt 256001 Special Condition 9 requires rechargeable lithium batteries to have ‘‘automatic’’ means due to the fast acting nature of lithium battery chemical reactions. Manual intervention would not be timely or effective in mitigating the hazards associated with these batteries. These conditions apply to all 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. These regulations will remain in effect for other battery installations on these airplanes. 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 C212–CC/–CD/–CE/–CF/–DF/– DE airplanes. Should Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. A43EU to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature on the Airbus Model C212–CC/–CD/–CE/–CF/– DF/–DE airplanes. It is not a rule of general applicability and affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for approval of these features on the airplanes. 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 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 S.A. Model C212–CC/–CD/– CE/–CF/–DF/–DE, as modified by Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 64065 In lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at amendment 25–123, or § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments, each 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, and automatically control the charge rate of each cell to protect against adverse operating conditions, such as cell imbalance, back charging, overcharging, and overheating. 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 flight crew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane. 8. If its function is required for safe operation of the airplane, have a monitoring and warning feature that alerts the flight crew when its charge state falls below acceptable levels. 9. Have a means to automatically disconnect from its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition, cell failure or battery failure. Note: A battery system consists of the battery, battery charger 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 Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 2021. Patrick R. Mullen, Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–25006 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\17NOR1.SGM 17NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64063-64065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1045; Special Conditions No. 25-795-SC]


Special Conditions: Airbus Defense and Space S.A., C212-CC/-CD/-
CE/-CF/-DF/-DE Airplanes; Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

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 S.A. (Airbus) Model C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes. This 
airplane, as modified by Airbus Defense and Space, Inc., will have a 
novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of 
technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport 
category airplanes. This design feature is the emergency lighting 
installation that contain rechargeable lithium batteries. The 
applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for this

[[Page 64064]]

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 November 17, 2021. Send comments on or 
before January 3, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA-2021-1045 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: Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as 
described in the following paragraph, and other information as 
described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal 
information you provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing 
each substantive verbal contact received about this proposal.
    Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both 
customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from 
public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this Notice contain 
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as 
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or 
responsive to this Notice, it is important that you clearly designate 
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission 
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked 
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and the indicated comments 
will not be placed in the public docket of this Notice. Submissions 
containing CBI should be sent to Nazih Khaouly, Aircraft Systems, AIR-
623, Technical Innovation Policy 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]. Comments 
the FAA receives, which are not specifically designated as CBI, will be 
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
    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, Aircraft Systems, AIR-
623, Technical Innovation Policy 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: 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.

Comments Invited

    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 December 16, 2019, Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. applied for a 
supplemental type certificate for the installation of rechargeable 
lithium batteries as part of an emergency lighting installation in the 
Airbus Model C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes. The Airbus Model 
C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes are twin-engine, transport 
category aircraft, with capacity for 28 passengers, and a maximum 
takeoff weight of 16,976 pounds.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.101, Airbus Defense and Space, Inc. must show that the Airbus 
Model C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes, as changed, continue to 
meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in Type 
Certificate No. A43EU 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 C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-
DF/-DE airplanes 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 applicant apply for a supplemental type 
certificate to modify any other model included on the same type 
certificate 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 C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes 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 Feature

    The Airbus Model C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes will 
incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature:
    An emergency lighting installation that contains rechargeable 
lithium batteries.

Discussion

    Rechargeable lithium batteries are considered to be a novel or 
unusual design feature in transport category airplanes, with respect to 
the requirements in Sec.  25.1353. This type of battery has 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 transport

[[Page 64065]]

category airplanes. 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.
    Special Condition 1 requires that each individual cell within a 
rechargeable lithium battery be designed to maintain safe temperatures 
and pressures. Special Condition 2 addresses these same issues but for 
the entire battery. Special Condition 2 requires the battery be 
designed to prevent propagation of a thermal event, such as self-
sustained, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure from one 
cell to adjacent cells.
    Special Conditions 1 and 2 are intended to ensure that the cells 
and battery 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 designer. Therefore, other 
special conditions are intended to protect the airplane and its 
occupants if failure occurs.
    Special Conditions 3, 7, and 8 are self-explanatory.
    Special Condition 4 clarifies that the flammable fluid fire-
protection requirements of Sec.  25.863 apply to 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. Rechargeable lithium batteries contain electrolyte that is a 
flammable fluid.
    Special Condition 5 requires each rechargeable lithium battery 
installation to 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. Special Condition 6 requires each rechargeable lithium 
battery installation to 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. The 
means of meeting special conditions 5 and 6 may be the same, but they 
are independent requirements addressing different hazards. Special 
Condition 5 addresses corrosive fluids and gases, whereas Special 
Condition 6 addresses heat.
    Special Condition 9 requires rechargeable lithium batteries to have 
``automatic'' means due to the fast acting nature of lithium battery 
chemical reactions. Manual intervention would not be timely or 
effective in mitigating the hazards associated with these batteries.
    These conditions apply to all rechargeable lithium battery 
installations in lieu of Sec.  25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at amendment 
25-123, or Sec.  25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments. These 
regulations will remain in effect for other battery installations on 
these airplanes.
    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 C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes. Should Airbus 
Defense and Space, Inc. apply at a later date for a supplemental type 
certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No. 
A43EU to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these 
special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature 
on the Airbus Model C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE airplanes. It is not a 
rule of general applicability and affects only the applicant who 
applied to the FAA for approval of these features on the airplanes.

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

    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 S.A. Model 
C212-CC/-CD/-CE/-CF/-DF/-DE, as modified by Airbus Defense and Space, 
Inc.
    In lieu of Sec.  25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at amendment 25-123, or 
Sec.  25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier amendments, each 
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, and automatically 
control the charge rate of each cell to protect against adverse 
operating conditions, such as cell imbalance, back charging, 
overcharging, and overheating.
    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 flight 
crew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane.
    8. If its function is required for safe operation of the airplane, 
have a monitoring and warning feature that alerts the flight crew when 
its charge state falls below acceptable levels.
    9. Have a means to automatically disconnect from its charging 
source in the event of an over-temperature condition, cell failure or 
battery failure.

    Note:  A battery system consists of the battery, battery charger 
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 Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 2021.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-25006 Filed 11-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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