Special Conditions: Peregrine; Installed Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, 3921-3923 [2022-01443]

Download as PDF 3921 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 87, No. 17 Wednesday, January 26, 2022 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. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 25 [Docket No. FAA–2022–0056; Special Conditions No. 25–806–SC] Special Conditions: Peregrine; Installed Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments. AGENCY: These special conditions are issued for a supplemental type certificate to install rechargeable lithium batteries in the Emergency Exit Light (EEL) power supply on certain transport category airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by Peregrine, 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 installation of an EEL power supply that contains rechargeable lithium batteries. 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 Peregrine on January 26, 2022. Send comments on or before March 14, 2022. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA–2022–0056 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 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:49 Jan 25, 2022 Jkt 256001 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 January 22, 2021, Peregrine applied for a supplemental type certificate to install rechargeable lithium batteries in the ELL power supply. Peregrine wants to apply this STC to multiple transport category airplanes and may periodically amend this STC to expand its applicability to include additional transport category airplane makes and models. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 21.101, Peregrine must show that airplanes, for which they make application to modify by STC no. ST01086DE, as changed, continue to meet the applicable E:\FR\FM\26JAR1.SGM 26JAR1 3922 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2022 / Rules and Regulations provisions of the regulations listed in each airplane’s respective type certificate 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 (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards 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 airplane model for which they are issued. Should the applicant apply for an STC 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 airplanes modified by STC no. ST01086DE 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 airplanes with STC no. ST01086DE will incorporate the following novel or unusual design feature: The installation of an EEL power supply that contains rechargeable lithium batteries. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:14 Jan 25, 2022 Jkt 256001 Special Condition 1 requires that each individual cell within a 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 that 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 fireprotection 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. Special Condition 9 requires rechargeable lithium batteries to have ‘‘automatic’’ means, for charge rate and disconnect, 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 special 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. Those regulations remain in effect for other battery installations. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 airplane models listed on the approved model list (AML) of STC no. ST01086DE, which is available at rgl.faa.gov. All models listed in the AML must be evaluated and determined to comply with these special conditions. Additionally each new model added to the AML subsequently must also be evaluated and determined to comply with these special conditions. Should Peregrine apply at a later date for a change to STC no. ST01086DE to include any other model on the AML to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that model as well. Should Peregrine apply at a later date for another STC to modify any other model included on the type certificates of the models on the STC no. ST01086DE AML to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would also apply to that model as well. These special conditions are not applicable to those models in which special conditions for rechargeable lithium batteries have already been issued against the Type Certificate for that specific model. Conclusion This action only affects the installation of an EEL power supply that contains rechargeable lithium batteries on the airplane models listed on the AML of STC no. ST01086DE. It is not a rule of general applicability and affects only the applicant who will apply 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 airplane models listed on the approved model list of ■ E:\FR\FM\26JAR1.SGM 26JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2022 / Rules and Regulations supplemental type certificate no. ST01086DE, as modified by Peregrine. 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. Have a monitoring and warning feature that alerts the flightcrew when its charge state falls below acceptable levels if its function is required for safe operation of the airplane. 9. Have a means to automatically disconnect from its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition, cell failure or battery failure. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES 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 the battery system is referred to as a battery. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 20, 2022. Patrick R. Mullen, Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01443 Filed 1–25–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:49 Jan 25, 2022 Jkt 256001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2022–0009; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–01459–R; Amendment 39–21914; AD 2022–02–17] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB–BK 117 C–2, MBB– BK 117 D–2, and MBB–BK 117 D–3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of engine flame out following prolonged operations in falling snow on helicopters with an inlet barrier filter (IBF) system installed. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective February 10, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 10, 2022. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 14, 2022. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this final rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 3923 website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, 2701 North Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232– 0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https:// www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/ technical-support.html. You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. Service information that is IBRed is also available in the AD docket at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022– 0009. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2022–0009; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hal Jensen, Aerospace Engineer, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 950 L’Enfant Plaza N SW, Washington, DC 20024; telephone (202) 267–9167; email hal.jensen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2021–0289–E, dated December 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021–0289–E), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD), formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH; and Airbus Helicopters Inc., formerly American Eurocopter LLC, Model MBB–BK117 C–2, D–2, D–3, and D–3m helicopters, all variants, all serial numbers. This AD was prompted by reports of engine flame out following prolonged operations in falling snow with the IBF system installed. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent partial icing of an IBF engine intake and engine flame out. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine failure and reduced control of the helicopter, possibly resulting in damage to the E:\FR\FM\26JAR1.SGM 26JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3921-3923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01443]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 17 / Wednesday, January 26, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 3921]]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0056; Special Conditions No. 25-806-SC]


Special Conditions: Peregrine; Installed Rechargeable Lithium 
Batteries

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for a supplemental type 
certificate to install rechargeable lithium batteries in the Emergency 
Exit Light (EEL) power supply on certain transport category airplanes. 
These airplanes, as modified by Peregrine, 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 installation of an EEL power supply that contains 
rechargeable lithium batteries. 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 Peregrine on January 26, 2022. Send 
comments on or before March 14, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by Docket No. FAA-2022-0056 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 January 22, 2021, Peregrine applied for a supplemental type 
certificate to install rechargeable lithium batteries in the ELL power 
supply. Peregrine wants to apply this STC to multiple transport 
category airplanes and may periodically amend this STC to expand its 
applicability to include additional transport category airplane makes 
and models.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) 21.101, Peregrine must show that airplanes, for which they make 
application to modify by STC no. ST01086DE, as changed, continue to 
meet the applicable

[[Page 3922]]

provisions of the regulations listed in each airplane's respective type 
certificate 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 (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards 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 airplane model 
for which they are issued. Should the applicant apply for an STC 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 airplanes modified by STC no. ST01086DE 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 airplanes with STC no. ST01086DE will incorporate the following 
novel or unusual design feature:
    The installation of an EEL power supply 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 
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 
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 that 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, for charge rate and disconnect, 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 special 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. 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 
airplane models listed on the approved model list (AML) of STC no. 
ST01086DE, which is available at rgl.faa.gov. All models listed in the 
AML must be evaluated and determined to comply with these special 
conditions. Additionally each new model added to the AML subsequently 
must also be evaluated and determined to comply with these special 
conditions. Should Peregrine apply at a later date for a change to STC 
no. ST01086DE to include any other model on the AML to incorporate the 
same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would 
apply to that model as well. Should Peregrine apply at a later date for 
another STC to modify any other model included on the type certificates 
of the models on the STC no. ST01086DE AML to incorporate the same 
novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would also 
apply to that model as well. These special conditions are not 
applicable to those models in which special conditions for rechargeable 
lithium batteries have already been issued against the Type Certificate 
for that specific model.

Conclusion

    This action only affects the installation of an EEL power supply 
that contains rechargeable lithium batteries on the airplane models 
listed on the AML of STC no. ST01086DE. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and affects only the applicant who will apply 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

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 airplane models listed on the approved 
model list of

[[Page 3923]]

supplemental type certificate no. ST01086DE, as modified by Peregrine.
    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. Have a monitoring and warning feature that alerts the flightcrew 
when its charge state falls below acceptable levels if its function is 
required for safe operation of the airplane.
    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 the battery system is referred to as a 
battery.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 20, 2022.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy and Innovation 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01443 Filed 1-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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