82 FR 18841 - Special Conditions: Viking Air, Ltd., Models DHC-6-100/-200/-300; Avmax Aviation Services, Inc., Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 77 (April 24, 2017)
| Page Range | 18841-18843 | |
| FR Document | 2017-08234 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 77 (Monday, April 24, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 18841-18843] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-08234] ======================================================================== 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. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations [[Page 18841]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 23 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0381; Special Conditions No. 23-280-SC] Special Conditions: Viking Air, Ltd., Models DHC-6-100/-200/-300; Avmax Aviation Services, Inc., Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Viking Air, Ltd., models DHC-6-100/-200/-300, Twin Otter, Turbopropeller airplanes. This airplane, as modified by Avmax Aviation Services, Inc., will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the use of a replacement option of a lithium battery instead of nickel-cadmium and lead-acid rechargeable 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: The effective date of these special conditions is April 24, 2017. We must receive your comments by June 8, 2017. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2017-0381 using any of the following methods: [square] Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. [square] 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. [square] Hand Delivery of 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. [square] Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251. Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-114, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO; telephone (816) 329-4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable because these procedures would significantly delay issuance of the approval design and thus delivery of the affected aircraft. In addition, the FAA has determined, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are unnecessary because the substance of these special conditions has been subject to the public comment process in several prior instances with no substantive comments received. The FAA therefore finds that good cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon issuance. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/39B156C006EB842E86257EF3004BB13C?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery. \2\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/902232309C19F0D4862575CB0045AC0D?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery. \3\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/28E630294DCC27B986257513005968A3?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special conditions No. Company/airplane model ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23-15-01-SC \1\........................... Kestrel Aircraft Company/ Model K-350. 23-09-02SC \2\............................ Cessna Aircraft Company/ Model 525C (CJ4). 23-08-05-SC \3\........................... Spectrum Aeronautical, LLC/ Model 40. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Comments Invited We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written comments. We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change these special conditions based on the comments we receive. Background On January 18, 2016, Avmax Aviation Services, Inc., (Avmax) applied for a supplemental type certificate (STC) to install a rechargeable lithium battery on the Viking Air, Ltd. (Viking Air), models DHC-6-100/ -200/-300, Twin Otter, Turbopropeller airplanes. These are normal category airplanes, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-20 engines (-100 and -200) or two PT6A-27 engines (-300). The maximum takeoff weight is 12,500 pounds (5,670 kg) for the -300, but lesser for the -100 and -200. The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not contain adequate requirements for use of [[Page 18842]] rechargeable lithium batteries in airborne applications. This type of battery possesses certain failure and operational characteristics with maintenance requirements that differ significantly from that of the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lead-acid rechargeable batteries currently approved in other normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is proposing this special condition to address (1) all characteristics of the rechargeable lithium batteries and their installation that could affect safe operation of the modified models DHC-6-100/-200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes, and (2) appropriate Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) that include maintenance requirements to ensure the availability of electrical power from the batteries when needed. Type Certification Basis Under the provisions of Sec. 21.101, Avmax must show that the models DHC-6-100/-200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes, as changed, continue to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by reference in Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A9EA \4\ or the applicable regulations in effect on the date of application for the change. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/AB4F5DD989BB1B4E86257FF100542804?OpenDocument. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness regulations (i.e., Civil Air Regulations [CAR] 3) do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for the models DHC-6-100/-200/ -300 Turbopropeller airplanes because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of Sec. 21.16. The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in Sec. 11.19, under Sec. 11.38 and they become part of the type certification basis under Sec. 21.101. Special conditions are initially applicable to the models 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. Novel or Unusual Design Features The Viking Air models DHC-6-100/ -200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes will incorporate the following novel or unusual design features: The installation of a rechargeable lithium battery as a main or engine start aircraft battery. Discussion The applicable regulations governing the installation of batteries in general aviation airplanes were derived from CAR 3 as part of the recodification that established 14 CFR part 23. The battery requirements identified in Sec. 23.1353 were a rewording of the CAR requirements. Additional rulemaking activities, as a result of increased incidents of Ni-Cd battery fire or failures, incorporated Sec. 23.1353(f) and (g) at amendments 23-20 and 23-21 respectively. However, the regulation prescribed was not for lithium battery installations. The proposed use of rechargeable lithium batteries prompted the FAA to review the adequacy of these existing regulations. We found that the existing regulations do not adequately address the safety of lithium battery installations. Current experience with rechargeable lithium batteries in commercial or general aviation is limited. However, other users of this technology, ranging from personal computers, to wireless telephone manufacturers, to the electric vehicle industry, have noted safety problems with rechargeable lithium batteries. These problems include overcharging, over-discharging, flammability of cell components, cell internal defects, and those resulting from exposure to extreme temperatures that are described in the following paragraphs. 1. Overcharging: In general, rechargeable lithium batteries are significantly more susceptible than their Ni-Cd or lead-acid counterparts to thermal runway, which is an internal failure that can result in self-sustaining increases in temperature and pressure. This is especially true for overcharging which causes heating and destabilization of the components of the cell, leading to the formation (by plating) of highly unstable metallic lithium. The metallic lithium can ignite, resulting in a self-sustaining fire or explosion. Finally, the severity of thermal runaway due to overcharging increases with increasing battery capacity due to the higher amount of electrolyte in large batteries. 2. Over-discharging: Discharge of some types of rechargeable lithium battery cells beyond the manufacturer's recommended specification can cause corrosion of the electrodes of the cell, resulting in loss of battery capacity that cannot be reversed by recharging. This loss of capacity may not be detected by the simple voltage measurements commonly available to flight crews as a means of checking battery status--a problem shared with Ni-Cd batteries. In addition, over-discharging has the potential to lead to an unsafe condition (creation of dendrites that could result in internal short circuit during the recharging cycle). 3. Flammability of Cell Components: Unlike Ni-Cd and lead-acid batteries, some types of rechargeable lithium batteries use liquid electrolytes that are flammable. The electrolyte can serve as a source of fuel for an external fire, if there is a breach of the battery container. 4. Cell Internal Defects: The rechargeable lithium batteries and rechargeable battery systems have a history of undetected cell internal defects. These defects may or may not be detected during normal operational evaluation, test and validation. This may lead to an unsafe condition during in service operation. 5. Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to an extreme temperature environment has the potential to create major hazards. Care must be taken to ensure that the lithium battery remains within the manufacturer's recommended specification. Applicability The special conditions are applicable to the models DHC-6-100/-200/ -300 Turbopropeller airplanes. Should Avmax apply at a later date for an STC to modify any other model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, the special conditions would apply to that model as well. Conclusion This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features on the models DHC-6-100/-200/-300 Turbopropeller 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 airplane. The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the notice and comment period in several prior instances and has been derived without substantive change from those previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public comment would result in a significant change from the subject contained herein. Therefore, notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are unnecessary and the FAA finds good cause, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), making these special conditions effective upon issuance. The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested persons to submit views that may not have been submitted in response to the [[Page 18843]] prior opportunities for comment described above. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23 Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols. Citation 0 The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19. 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 Viking Air, Ltd., models DHC-6-100/- 200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes modified by Avmax Aviation Services, Ltd. 1. Installation of Lithium Battery The FAA adopts that the following special conditions be applied to lithium battery installations on the models DHC-6-100/-200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes in lieu of the requirements Sec. 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e), amendment 49. Lithium battery installations on the models DHC-6-100/-200/-300 Turbopropeller airplanes must be designed and installed as follows: (1) Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained during-- i. Normal operations; ii. Any probable failure conditions of charging or discharging or battery monitoring system; and iii. Any failure of the charging or battery monitoring system not shown to be extremely remote. (2) The rechargeable lithium battery installation must be designed to preclude explosion or fire in the event of 1(1)(ii) and 1(1)(iii) failures. (3) Design of the rechargeable lithium batteries must preclude the occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure. (4) No explosive or toxic gasses emitted by any rechargeable lithium battery in normal operation or as the result of any failure of the battery charging system, monitoring system, or battery installation which is not shown to be extremely remote, may accumulate in hazardous quantities within the airplane. (5) Installations of rechargeable lithium batteries must meet the requirements of Sec. 23.863(a) through (d) at amendment 23-34. (6) No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any rechargeable lithium battery may damage surrounding structure or any adjacent systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or the airplane in such a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition, in accordance with Sec. 23.1309 at amendment 23-49 and applicable regulatory guidance. (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery installation must have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on structure or essential systems that may be caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery can generate during a short circuit of the battery or of its individual cells. (8) Rechargeable lithium battery installations must have-- i. A system to automatically control the charging rate of the battery to prevent battery overheating and overcharging; and either ii. A battery temperature sensing and over-temperature warning system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition; or iii. A battery failure sensing and warning system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the event of battery failure. (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery installation, the function of which is required for safe operation of the aircraft, must incorporate a monitoring and warning feature that will provide an indication to the appropriate flight crewmembers whenever the state of charge of the batteries has fallen below levels considered acceptable for dispatch (see note 1) of the aircraft. Note 1: Reference Sec. 23.1353(h) for dispatch consideration. (10) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) required by Sec. 23.1529 must contain maintenance requirements (see note 2) to assure that the battery has been sufficiently charged (see note 3) at appropriate intervals specified by the battery manufacturer and the equipment manufacturer that contain the rechargeable lithium battery or rechargeable lithium battery system. The lithium rechargeable batteries and lithium rechargeable battery systems must not degrade below specified ampere-hour levels sufficient to power the aircraft system. The ICA must also contain procedures for the maintenance of replacement batteries (see note 4) to prevent the installation of batteries that have degraded charge retention ability or other damage due to prolonged storage at a low state of charge. Replacement batteries must be of the same manufacturer and part number as approved by the FAA. Note 2: Maintenance requirements include procedures that-- (a) Check battery capacity, charge degradation at manufacturers recommended inspection intervals. (b) Replace batteries at manufacturers recommended replacement schedule/time to prevent age related degradation. Note 3: The term ``sufficiently charged'' means that the battery must retain enough charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure that the battery cells will not be damaged. A battery cell may be damaged by low charge (i.e., below certain level), resulting in a reduction in the ability to charge and retain a full charge. This reduction would be greater than the reduction that may result from normal operational degradation. Note 4: Replacement battery in spares storage may be subject to prolonged storage at a low state of charge. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April 18, 2017. Mel Johnson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2017-08234 Filed 4-21-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![18841
Rules and Regulations Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 77
Monday, April 24, 2017
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC exists for making these special
contains regulatory documents having general 20590–0001. conditions effective upon issuance.
applicability and legal effect, most of which b Hand Delivery of Courier: Take
are keyed to and codified in the Code of comments to Docket Operations in Special conditions Company/airplane
Federal Regulations, which is published under No. model
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
Room W12–140 of the West Building
Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 23–15–01–SC 1 ....... Kestrel Aircraft Com-
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 pany/Model K–350.
the Superintendent of Documents. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 23–09–02SC 2 ......... Cessna Aircraft Com-
Friday, except Federal holidays. pany/Model 525C
b Fax: Fax comments to Docket (CJ4).
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Operations at 202–493–2251. 23–08–05–SC 3 ....... Spectrum Aeronautical,
LLC/Model 40.
Federal Aviation Administration Privacy: The FAA will post all
comments it receives, without change,
to http://regulations.gov, including any Comments Invited
14 CFR Part 23
personal information the commenter We invite interested people to take
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0381; Special provides. Using the search function of part in this rulemaking by sending
Conditions No. 23–280–SC] the docket Web site, anyone can find written comments, data, or views. The
and read the electronic form of all most helpful comments reference a
Special Conditions: Viking Air, Ltd., comments received into any FAA specific portion of the special
Models DHC–6–100/–200/–300; Avmax docket, including the name of the conditions, explain the reason for any
Aviation Services, Inc., Installation of individual sending the comment (or recommended change, and include
Rechargeable Lithium Batteries signing the comment for an association, supporting data. We ask that you send
business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s us two copies of written comments.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation We will consider all comments we
complete Privacy Act Statement can be
Administration (FAA), DOT. receive on or before the closing date for
found in the Federal Register published
ACTION: Final special conditions; request on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), comments. We will consider comments
for comments. as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. filed late if it is possible to do so
Docket: Background documents or without incurring expense or delay. We
SUMMARY: These special conditions are may change these special conditions
issued for the Viking Air, Ltd., models comments received may be read at
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. based on the comments we receive.
DHC–6–100/–200/–300, Twin Otter,
Turbopropeller airplanes. This airplane, Follow the online instructions for Background
as modified by Avmax Aviation accessing the docket or go to the Docket On January 18, 2016, Avmax Aviation
Services, Inc., will have a novel or Operations in Room W12–140 of the Services, Inc., (Avmax) applied for a
unusual design feature associated with West Building Ground Floor at 1200 supplemental type certificate (STC) to
the use of a replacement option of a New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, install a rechargeable lithium battery on
lithium battery instead of nickel- DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday the Viking Air, Ltd. (Viking Air), models
cadmium and lead-acid rechargeable through Friday, except Federal holidays. DHC–6–100/–200/–300, Twin Otter,
batteries. The applicable airworthiness FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Turbopropeller airplanes. These are
regulations do not contain adequate or Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation normal category airplanes, powered by
appropriate safety standards for this Administration, Aircraft Certification two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A–20
design feature. These special conditions Service, Small Airplane Directorate, engines (–100 and –200) or two PT6A–
contain the additional safety standards ACE–114, 901 Locust, Room 301, 27 engines (–300). The maximum
that the Administrator considers Kansas City, MO; telephone (816) 329– takeoff weight is 12,500 pounds (5,670
necessary to establish a level of safety 4108; facsimile (816) 329–4090. kg) for the –300, but lesser for the –100
equivalent to that established by the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA and –200.
existing airworthiness standards. has determined that notice and The current regulatory requirements
DATES: The effective date of these opportunity for prior public comment for part 23 airplanes do not contain
special conditions is April 24, 2017. hereon are impracticable because these adequate requirements for use of
We must receive your comments by procedures would significantly delay
1 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
June 8, 2017. issuance of the approval design and
Library/rgSC.nsf/0/
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified thus delivery of the affected aircraft. In 39B156C006EB842E86257EF3004BB13C?Open
by docket number FAA–2017–0381 addition, the FAA has determined, in Document&Highlight=installation%20
using any of the following methods: accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
b Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to and 553(d)(3), that notice and 2 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
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opportunity for prior public comment Library/rgSC.nsf/0/
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the online instructions for sending your hereon are unnecessary because the Document&Highlight=installation%20
comments electronically. substance of these special conditions of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
b Mail: Send comments to Docket has been subject to the public comment 3 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
process in several prior instances with Library/rgSC.nsf/0/
Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of 28E630294DCC27B986257513005968A3?Open
Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey no substantive comments received. The Document&Highlight=installation%20
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![18842 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
rechargeable lithium batteries in Discussion problem shared with Ni-Cd batteries. In
airborne applications. This type of The applicable regulations governing addition, over-discharging has the
battery possesses certain failure and the installation of batteries in general potential to lead to an unsafe condition
operational characteristics with aviation airplanes were derived from (creation of dendrites that could result
maintenance requirements that differ CAR 3 as part of the recodification that in internal short circuit during the
significantly from that of the nickel- established 14 CFR part 23. The battery recharging cycle).
cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lead-acid 3. Flammability of Cell Components:
requirements identified in § 23.1353
rechargeable batteries currently Unlike Ni-Cd and lead-acid batteries,
were a rewording of the CAR
approved in other normal, utility, some types of rechargeable lithium
requirements. Additional rulemaking
acrobatic, and commuter category batteries use liquid electrolytes that are
activities, as a result of increased
airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is flammable. The electrolyte can serve as
incidents of Ni-Cd battery fire or
proposing this special condition to a source of fuel for an external fire, if
failures, incorporated § 23.1353(f) and
address (1) all characteristics of the there is a breach of the battery
(g) at amendments 23–20 and 23–21
rechargeable lithium batteries and their container.
respectively. However, the regulation 4. Cell Internal Defects: The
installation that could affect safe
prescribed was not for lithium battery rechargeable lithium batteries and
operation of the modified models DHC–
installations. rechargeable battery systems have a
6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller
The proposed use of rechargeable history of undetected cell internal
airplanes, and (2) appropriate
lithium batteries prompted the FAA to defects. These defects may or may not
Instructions for Continued
review the adequacy of these existing be detected during normal operational
Airworthiness (ICA) that include
regulations. We found that the existing evaluation, test and validation. This
maintenance requirements to ensure the
regulations do not adequately address may lead to an unsafe condition during
availability of electrical power from the
the safety of lithium battery in service operation.
batteries when needed.
installations. 5. Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to
Type Certification Basis Current experience with rechargeable an extreme temperature environment
Under the provisions of § 21.101, lithium batteries in commercial or has the potential to create major
Avmax must show that the models general aviation is limited. However, hazards. Care must be taken to ensure
DHC–6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller other users of this technology, ranging that the lithium battery remains within
airplanes, as changed, continue to meet from personal computers, to wireless the manufacturer’s recommended
the applicable provisions of the telephone manufacturers, to the electric specification.
regulations incorporated by reference in vehicle industry, have noted safety
Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A9EA 4 problems with rechargeable lithium Applicability
or the applicable regulations in effect on batteries. These problems include The special conditions are applicable
the date of application for the change. overcharging, over-discharging, to the models DHC–6–100/–200/–300
If the Administrator finds that the flammability of cell components, cell Turbopropeller airplanes. Should
applicable airworthiness regulations internal defects, and those resulting Avmax apply at a later date for an STC
(i.e., Civil Air Regulations [CAR] 3) do from exposure to extreme temperatures to modify any other model included on
not contain adequate or appropriate that are described in the following the same type certificate to incorporate
safety standards for the models DHC–6– paragraphs. the same novel or unusual design
100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller airplanes 1. Overcharging: In general, feature, the special conditions would
because of a novel or unusual design rechargeable lithium batteries are apply to that model as well.
feature, special conditions are significantly more susceptible than their
prescribed under the provisions of Ni-Cd or lead-acid counterparts to Conclusion
§ 21.16. thermal runway, which is an internal This action affects only certain novel
The FAA issues special conditions, as failure that can result in self-sustaining or unusual design features on the
defined in § 11.19, under § 11.38 and increases in temperature and pressure. models DHC–6–100/–200/–300
they become part of the type This is especially true for overcharging Turbopropeller airplanes. It is not a rule
certification basis under § 21.101. which causes heating and of general applicability and affects only
Special conditions are initially destabilization of the components of the the applicant who applied to the FAA
applicable to the models for which they cell, leading to the formation (by for approval of these features on the
are issued. Should the applicant apply plating) of highly unstable metallic airplane.
for an STC to modify any other model lithium. The metallic lithium can ignite, The substance of these special
included on the same type certificate to resulting in a self-sustaining fire or conditions has been subjected to the
incorporate the same novel or unusual explosion. Finally, the severity of notice and comment period in several
design feature, these special conditions thermal runaway due to overcharging prior instances and has been derived
would also apply to the other model increases with increasing battery without substantive change from those
under § 21.101. capacity due to the higher amount of previously issued. It is unlikely that
Novel or Unusual Design Features electrolyte in large batteries. prior public comment would result in a
2. Over-discharging: Discharge of significant change from the subject
The Viking Air models DHC–6–100/ some types of rechargeable lithium contained herein. Therefore, notice and
–200/–300 Turbopropeller airplanes battery cells beyond the manufacturer’s opportunity for prior public comment
will incorporate the following novel or recommended specification can cause hereon are unnecessary and the FAA
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
unusual design features: corrosion of the electrodes of the cell, finds good cause, in accordance with 5
The installation of a rechargeable resulting in loss of battery capacity that U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3),
lithium battery as a main or engine start making these special conditions
cannot be reversed by recharging. This
aircraft battery.
loss of capacity may not be detected by effective upon issuance. The FAA is
4 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
the simple voltage measurements requesting comments to allow interested
Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/AB4F5DD989BB1B4 commonly available to flight crews as a persons to submit views that may not
E86257FF100542804?OpenDocument. means of checking battery status—a have been submitted in response to the
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 77 / Monday, April 24, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 18843
prior opportunities for comment systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or Note 2: Maintenance requirements include
described above. the airplane in such a way as to cause procedures that—
a major or more severe failure condition, (a) Check battery capacity, charge
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
in accordance with § 23.1309 at degradation at manufacturers
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and amendment 23–49 and applicable recommended inspection intervals.
symbols. regulatory guidance. (b) Replace batteries at manufacturers
Citation (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery recommended replacement schedule/
installation must have provisions to time to prevent age related degradation.
■ The authority citation for these prevent any hazardous effect on
special conditions is as follows: Note 3: The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’
structure or essential systems that may means that the battery must retain enough
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and be caused by the maximum amount of charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure
44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR heat the battery can generate during a that the battery cells will not be damaged.
11.38 and 11.19. short circuit of the battery or of its
A battery cell may be damaged by low
The Special Conditions individual cells.
charge (i.e., below certain level),
(8) Rechargeable lithium battery resulting in a reduction in the ability to
■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority installations must have—
delegated to me by the Administrator, charge and retain a full charge. This
i. A system to automatically control reduction would be greater than the
the following special conditions are the charging rate of the battery to
issued as part of the type certification reduction that may result from normal
prevent battery overheating and operational degradation.
basis for Viking Air, Ltd., models DHC– overcharging; and either
6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller Note 4: Replacement battery in spares
ii. A battery temperature sensing and
airplanes modified by Avmax Aviation storage may be subject to prolonged storage
over-temperature warning system with a at a low state of charge.
Services, Ltd.
means for automatically disconnecting
1. Installation of Lithium Battery the battery from its charging source in Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April
The FAA adopts that the following the event of an over-temperature 18, 2017.
special conditions be applied to lithium condition; or Mel Johnson,
battery installations on the models iii. A battery failure sensing and Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
DHC–6–100/–200/–300 Turbopropeller warning system with a means for Aircraft Certification Service.
airplanes in lieu of the requirements automatically disconnecting the battery [FR Doc. 2017–08234 Filed 4–21–17; 8:45 am]
§ 23.1353(a)(b)(c)(d)(e), amendment 49. from its charging source in the event of BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Lithium battery installations on the battery failure.
models DHC–6–100/–200/–300 (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery
Turbopropeller airplanes must be installation, the function of which is DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
designed and installed as follows: required for safe operation of the
(1) Safe cell temperatures and aircraft, must incorporate a monitoring Federal Aviation Administration
pressures must be maintained during— and warning feature that will provide an
i. Normal operations; indication to the appropriate flight 14 CFR Part 39
ii. Any probable failure conditions of crewmembers whenever the state of [Docket No. FAA–2010–0755; Directorate
charging or discharging or battery charge of the batteries has fallen below Identifier 2010–NE–12–AD; Amendment 39–
monitoring system; and levels considered acceptable for 18860; AD 2017–08–11]
iii. Any failure of the charging or dispatch (see note 1) of the aircraft.
battery monitoring system not shown to RIN 2120–AA64
Note 1: Reference § 23.1353(h) for dispatch
be extremely remote. consideration.
(2) The rechargeable lithium battery Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
installation must be designed to (10) The Instructions for Continued plc Turbofan Engines
preclude explosion or fire in the event Airworthiness (ICA) required by
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
of 1(1)(ii) and 1(1)(iii) failures. § 23.1529 must contain maintenance
Administration (FAA), DOT.
(3) Design of the rechargeable lithium requirements (see note 2) to assure that
the battery has been sufficiently charged ACTION: Final rule.
batteries must preclude the occurrence
of self-sustaining, uncontrolled (see note 3) at appropriate intervals SUMMARY: We are superseding
increases in temperature or pressure. specified by the battery manufacturer airworthiness directive (AD) 2012–04–
(4) No explosive or toxic gasses and the equipment manufacturer that 01 for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211–
emitted by any rechargeable lithium contain the rechargeable lithium battery Trent 800 model turbofan engines. AD
battery in normal operation or as the or rechargeable lithium battery system. 2012–04–01 required removal from
result of any failure of the battery The lithium rechargeable batteries and service of certain critical engine rotating
charging system, monitoring system, or lithium rechargeable battery systems parts based on reduced life limits. This
battery installation which is not shown must not degrade below specified AD makes additional revisions to the
to be extremely remote, may accumulate ampere-hour levels sufficient to power life limits of certain critical engine
in hazardous quantities within the the aircraft system. The ICA must also rotating parts. This AD was prompted
airplane. contain procedures for the maintenance by RR further revising the life limits of
(5) Installations of rechargeable of replacement batteries (see note 4) to certain critical engine rotating parts. We
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
lithium batteries must meet the prevent the installation of batteries that are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe
requirements of § 23.863(a) through (d) have degraded charge retention ability condition on these products.
at amendment 23–34. or other damage due to prolonged
DATES: This AD is effective May 30,
(6) No corrosive fluids or gases that storage at a low state of charge.
may escape from any rechargeable Replacement batteries must be of the 2017.
lithium battery may damage same manufacturer and part number as ADDRESSES: See the FOR FURTHER
surrounding structure or any adjacent approved by the FAA. INFORMATION CONTACT section.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:01 Apr 21, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\24APR1.SGM 24APR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_18918/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2017-04-22 00:11:29
Document Modified: 2017-04-22 00:11:29
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final special conditions; request for comments. | |
| Dates | The effective date of these special conditions is April 24, 2017. | |
| Contact | Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-114, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO; telephone (816) 329-4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 18841 | |
| CFR Associated | Aircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols |
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