82_FR_20323 82 FR 20241 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace LP, Model Gulfstream G150 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

82 FR 20241 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace LP, Model Gulfstream G150 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 82 (May 1, 2017)

Page Range20241-20244
FR Document2017-08691

These special conditions are issued for non-rechargeable lithium battery installations on the Gulfstream Aerospace LP (GALP) Model Gulfstream G150 airplane, as modified by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream). Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes. 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.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 82 (Monday, May 1, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 82 (Monday, May 1, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20241-20244]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08691]



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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 
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under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and 
Regulations

[[Page 20241]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0363; Special Conditions No. 25-661-SC]


Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace LP, Model Gulfstream 
G150 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations on the Gulfstream Aerospace LP (GALP) 
Model Gulfstream G150 airplane, as modified by Gulfstream Aerospace 
Corporation (Gulfstream). Non-rechargeable lithium batteries are a 
novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of 
technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport 
category airplanes. 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 Gulfstream Aerospace LP on May 1, 
2017. We must receive your comments by June 15, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2017-0363 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending 
your comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal 
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all 
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the 
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an 
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/ 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 Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight 
Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2432; facsimile 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Future Requests for Installation of Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

    The FAA anticipates that non-rechargeable lithium batteries will be 
installed in most makes and models of transport category airplanes. We 
intend to require special conditions for certification projects 
involving non-rechargeable lithium battery installations to address 
certain safety issues until we can revise the airworthiness 
requirements. Applying special conditions to these installations across 
the range of transport category airplanes will ensure regulatory 
consistency.
    Typically, the FAA issues special conditions after receiving an 
application for type certificate approval of a novel or unusual design 
feature. However, the FAA has found that the presence of non-
rechargeable lithium batteries in certification projects is not always 
immediately identifiable, since the battery itself may not be the focus 
of the project. Meanwhile, the inclusion of these batteries has become 
virtually ubiquitous on in-production transport category airplanes, 
which shows that there will be a need for these special conditions. 
Also, delaying the issuance of special conditions until after each 
design application is received could lead to costly certification 
delays. Therefore the FAA finds it necessary to issue special 
conditions applicable to these battery installations on particular 
makes and models of aircraft.
    On April 22, 2016, the FAA published special conditions no. 25-612-
SC in the Federal Register (81 FR 23573) applicable to Gulfstream 
Aerospace Corporation for the GVI airplane. Those were the first 
special conditions the FAA issued for non-rechargeable lithium battery 
installations. We explained in that document our decision to make those 
special conditions effective one year after publication in the Federal 
Register, which is April 22, 2017. In those special conditions, the FAA 
stated its intention to apply non-rechargeable lithium battery special 
conditions to design changes on other makes and models applied for 
after this same date.
    Section 1205 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the 
FAA to consider the extent to which Alaska is not served by 
transportation modes other than aviation and to establish appropriate 
regulatory distinctions when modifying airworthiness regulations that 
affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. In consideration of this 
requirement and the overall impact on safety, the FAA does not intend 
to require non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions for 
design changes that only replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) emergency 
locator transmitter (ELT) with a 406 MHz ELT that meets Technical 
Standard Order C126b, or later revision, on transport airplanes 
operating only in Alaska. This will

[[Page 20242]]

support our efforts of encouraging operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 
406 MHz ELT. These ELTs provide significantly improved accuracy for 
lifesaving services to locate an accident site in Alaskan terrain. The 
FAA considers that the safety benefits from upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT 
for Alaskan operations will outweigh the battery fire risk.

Comments Invited

    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comment period in 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 
substance contained herein. Therefore, the FAA has determined that 
prior public notice and comment are unnecessary and impracticable, and 
good cause exists for adopting these special conditions upon 
publication in the Federal Register. The FAA is requesting comments to 
allow interested persons to submit views that may not have been 
submitted in response to the prior opportunities for comment described 
above.
    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
    We will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for 
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments 
we receive.

Background

    Gulfstream periodically applies to amend its supplemental type 
certificate that installs an executive passenger cabin interior, which 
includes non-rechargeable lithium batteries, in the GALP Model 
Gulfstream G150 airplane. The GALP Model Gulfstream G150, approved 
under type certificate no. A16NM, is a twin engine, transport category 
airplane with a passenger seating capacity of 9 and a maximum takeoff 
weight of 26,100 pounds.
    The FAA is issuing these special conditions for non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations on the GALP Model Gulfstream G150 
airplane, as modified by Gulfstream. The current battery requirements 
in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 are 
inadequate for addressing an airplane with non-rechargeable lithium 
batteries.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Gulfstream must show that 
the change and areas affected by the change on the GALP Model 
Gulfstream G150 airplane meet the applicable regulations in effect on 
the date of application for the change, except for earlier amendments 
as agreed upon by the FAA. Earlier amended regulations may not precede 
those listed in type certificate no. A16NM or, for amended supplemental 
type certificate projects, those listed in the supplemental type 
certificate. In addition, the certification basis includes certain 
special conditions, exemptions, or later amended sections that are not 
relevant to these special conditions.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the GALP Model Gulfstream G150 
airplane, as modified by Gulfstream, 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 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 GALP Model Gulfstream G150 airplane must comply with 
the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and 
the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type 
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Feature

    The novel or unusual design feature is the installation of non-
rechargeable lithium batteries.
    For the purpose of these special conditions, we refer to a battery 
and battery system as a battery. A battery system consists of the 
battery and any protective, monitoring, and alerting circuitry or 
hardware inside or outside of the battery. It also includes vents 
(where necessary) and packaging.

Discussion

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

[[Page 20243]]

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

    These special conditions are applicable to the GALP Model 
Gulfstream G150 airplane, as modified by Gulfstream. Should Gulfstream 
apply at a later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any 
other model included on type certificate no. A16NM to incorporate the 
same novel or unusual design feature, these special conditions would 
apply to that model as well.
    These special conditions are only applicable to design changes 
applied for after the effective date.
    These special conditions are not applicable to changes to 
previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations 
where the only change is either cosmetic or to relocate the 
installation to improve the safety of the airplane and occupants. 
Previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery installations, as 
used in this paragraph, are those installations approved for 
certification projects applied for on or before the effective date of 
these special conditions. A cosmetic change is a change in appearance 
only, and does not change any function or safety characteristic of the 
battery installation. These special conditions are also not applicable 
to unchanged, previously certified non-rechargeable lithium battery 
installations that are affected by a change in a manner that improves 
the safety of its installation. The FAA determined that these 
exclusions are in the public interest because the need to meet all of 
the special conditions might otherwise deter these design changes that 
improve safety.

Conclusion

    This action affects only a certain novel or unusual design feature 
on one model of airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability.
    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comment period in 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 
substance contained herein. Therefore, the FAA has determined that 
prior public notice and comment are unnecessary and impracticable, and 
good cause exists for adopting these special conditions upon 
publication in the Federal Register. The FAA is requesting comments to 
allow interested persons to submit views that may not have been 
submitted in response to the prior opportunities for comment described 
above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and record keeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 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 the GALP Model Gulfstream G150 
airplane modified by Gulfstream.

Non-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, each non-
rechargeable lithium battery installation must:
    1. Be designed to maintain safe cell temperatures and pressures 
under all foreseeable operating conditions to prevent fire and 
explosion.
    2. Be designed to prevent the occurrence of self-sustaining, 
uncontrollable increases in temperature or pressure.
    3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, either in normal operation or 
as a result

[[Page 20244]]

of its failure, that may accumulate in hazardous quantities within the 
airplane.
    4. Meet the requirements of Sec.  25.863.
    5. Not damage surrounding structure or adjacent systems, equipment, 
or electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or gases that may escape in 
such a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition.
    6. Have provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on airplane 
structure or systems caused by the maximum amount of heat it can 
generate due to any failure of it or its individual cells.
    7. Have a failure sensing and warning system to alert the 
flightcrew if its failure affects safe operation of the airplane.
    8. Have a means for the flightcrew or maintenance personnel to 
determine the battery charge state if the battery's function is 
required for safe operation of the airplane.

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


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-08691 Filed 4-28-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

20241 Rules and Regulations Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 82 Monday, May 1, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC airplanes will ensure regulatory contains regulatory documents having general 20590–0001. consistency. applicability and legal effect, most of which • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take Typically, the FAA issues special are keyed to and codified in the Code of comments to Docket Operations in conditions after receiving an application Federal Regulations, which is published under Room W12–140 of the West Building for type certificate approval of a novel 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey or unusual design feature. However, the The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 FAA has found that the presence of non- the Superintendent of Documents. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through rechargeable lithium batteries in Friday, except Federal holidays. certification projects is not always • Fax: Fax comments to Docket immediately identifiable, since the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Operations at 202–493–2251. battery itself may not be the focus of the Privacy: The FAA will post all project. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Federal Aviation Administration comments it receives, without change, these batteries has become virtually to http://www.regulations.gov/, ubiquitous on in-production transport 14 CFR Part 25 including any personal information the category airplanes, which shows that [Docket No. FAA–2017–0363; Special commenter provides. Using the search there will be a need for these special Conditions No. 25–661–SC] function of the docket Web site, anyone conditions. Also, delaying the issuance can find and read the electronic form of of special conditions until after each Special Conditions: Gulfstream all comments received into any FAA design application is received could Aerospace LP, Model Gulfstream G150 docket, including the name of the lead to costly certification delays. Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium individual sending the comment (or Therefore the FAA finds it necessary to Battery Installations signing the comment for an association, issue special conditions applicable to AGENCY: Federal Aviation business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s these battery installations on particular Administration (FAA), DOT. complete Privacy Act Statement can be makes and models of aircraft. ACTION: Final special conditions; request found in the Federal Register published On April 22, 2016, the FAA published for comment. on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), special conditions no. 25–612–SC in the as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot. Federal Register (81 FR 23573) SUMMARY: These special conditions are gov/. applicable to Gulfstream Aerospace issued for non-rechargeable lithium Docket: Background documents or Corporation for the GVI airplane. Those battery installations on the Gulfstream comments received may be read at were the first special conditions the Aerospace LP (GALP) Model Gulfstream http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. FAA issued for non-rechargeable G150 airplane, as modified by Follow the online instructions for lithium battery installations. We Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation accessing the docket or go to Docket explained in that document our (Gulfstream). Non-rechargeable lithium Operations in Room W12–140 of the decision to make those special batteries are a novel or unusual design West Building Ground Floor at 1200 conditions effective one year after feature when compared to the state of New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, publication in the Federal Register, technology envisioned in the DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday which is April 22, 2017. In those special airworthiness standards for transport through Friday, except Federal holidays. conditions, the FAA stated its intention category airplanes. The applicable FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: to apply non-rechargeable lithium airworthiness regulations do not contain Nazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight battery special conditions to design adequate or appropriate safety standards Crew Interface Branch, ANM–111, changes on other makes and models for this design feature. These special Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft applied for after this same date. conditions contain the additional safety Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue Section 1205 of the FAA standards that the Administrator SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the considers necessary to establish a level telephone 425–227–2432; facsimile FAA to consider the extent to which of safety equivalent to that established 425–227–1149. Alaska is not served by transportation by the existing airworthiness standards. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: modes other than aviation and to DATES: This action is effective on establish appropriate regulatory Gulfstream Aerospace LP on May 1, Future Requests for Installation of Non- distinctions when modifying 2017. We must receive your comments Rechargeable Lithium Batteries airworthiness regulations that affect by June 15, 2017. The FAA anticipates that non- intrastate aviation in Alaska. In ADDRESSES: Send comments identified rechargeable lithium batteries will be consideration of this requirement and by docket number FAA–2017–0363 installed in most makes and models of the overall impact on safety, the FAA using any of the following methods: transport category airplanes. We intend does not intend to require non- • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to to require special conditions for rechargeable lithium battery special mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow certification projects involving non- conditions for design changes that only the online instructions for sending your rechargeable lithium battery replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) comments electronically. installations to address certain safety emergency locator transmitter (ELT) • Mail: Send comments to Docket issues until we can revise the with a 406 MHz ELT that meets Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of airworthiness requirements. Applying Technical Standard Order C126b, or Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey special conditions to these installations later revision, on transport airplanes Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West across the range of transport category operating only in Alaska. This will VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1

20242 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations support our efforts of encouraging Type Certification Basis batteries in transport category airplanes operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 Under the provisions of 14 CFR from Civil Air Regulations (CAR) MHz ELT. These ELTs provide 21.101, Gulfstream must show that the 4b.625(d) as part of the recodification of significantly improved accuracy for change and areas affected by the change CAR 4b that established 14 CFR part 25 lifesaving services to locate an accident on the GALP Model Gulfstream G150 in February 1965. This recodification site in Alaskan terrain. The FAA airplane meet the applicable regulations basically reworded the CAR 4b battery considers that the safety benefits from in effect on the date of application for requirements, which are currently in upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT for the change, except for earlier § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4). Non- Alaskan operations will outweigh the amendments as agreed upon by the rechargeable lithium batteries are novel battery fire risk. FAA. Earlier amended regulations may and unusual with respect to the state of not precede those listed in type technology considered when these Comments Invited certificate no. A16NM or, for amended requirements were codified. These The substance of these special supplemental type certificate projects, batteries introduce higher energy levels conditions has been subjected to the those listed in the supplemental type into airplane systems through new notice and comment period in prior certificate. In addition, the certification chemical compositions in various instances and has been derived without basis includes certain special battery cell sizes and construction. substantive change from those conditions, exemptions, or later Interconnection of these cells in battery previously issued. It is unlikely that amended sections that are not relevant packs introduces failure modes that prior public comment would result in a to these special conditions. require unique design considerations, significant change from the substance If the Administrator finds that the such as provisions for thermal contained herein. Therefore, the FAA applicable airworthiness regulations management. has determined that prior public notice (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain Recent events involving rechargeable and comment are unnecessary and adequate or appropriate safety standards and non-rechargeable lithium batteries impracticable, and good cause exists for for the GALP Model Gulfstream G150 prompted the FAA to initiate a broad adopting these special conditions upon airplane, as modified by Gulfstream, evaluation of these energy storage publication in the Federal Register. The because of a novel or unusual design technologies. In January 2013, two FAA is requesting comments to allow feature, special conditions are independent events involving interested persons to submit views that prescribed under the provisions of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries may not have been submitted in § 21.16. revealed unanticipated failure modes. A response to the prior opportunities for Special conditions are initially National Transportation Safety Board comment described above. applicable to the airplane model for (NTSB) letter to the FAA, dated May 22, which they are issued. Should the 2014, which is available at http:// We invite interested people to take applicant apply for a supplemental type part in this rulemaking by sending www.ntsb.gov, filename A–14–032– certificate to modify any other model 036.pdf, describes these events. written comments, data, or views. The included on the same type certificate to most helpful comments reference a incorporate the same novel or unusual On July 12, 2013, an event involving specific portion of the special design feature, these special conditions a non-rechargeable lithium battery in an conditions, explain the reason for any would also apply to the other model emergency locator transmitter recommended change, and include under § 21.101. installation demonstrated unanticipated supporting data. In addition to the applicable failure modes. The United Kingdom’s We will consider all comments we airworthiness regulations and special Air Accidents Investigation Branch receive by the closing date for conditions, the GALP Model Gulfstream Bulletin S5/2013 describes this event. comments. We may change these special G150 airplane must comply with the Some known uses of rechargeable and conditions based on the comments we fuel vent and exhaust emission non-rechargeable lithium batteries on receive. requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the airplanes include: noise certification requirements of 14 • Flight deck and avionics systems Background CFR part 36. such as displays, global positioning Gulfstream periodically applies to The FAA issues special conditions, as systems, cockpit voice recorders, flight amend its supplemental type certificate defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance data recorders, underwater locator that installs an executive passenger with § 11.38, and they become part of beacons, navigation computers, cabin interior, which includes non- the type certification basis under integrated avionics computers, satellite rechargeable lithium batteries, in the § 21.101. network and communication systems, GALP Model Gulfstream G150 airplane. Novel or Unusual Design Feature communication management units, and The GALP Model Gulfstream G150, remote-monitor electronic line- approved under type certificate no. The novel or unusual design feature is replaceable units; the installation of non-rechargeable A16NM, is a twin engine, transport • Cabin safety, entertainment, and category airplane with a passenger lithium batteries. For the purpose of these special communications equipment, including seating capacity of 9 and a maximum emergency locator transmitters, life conditions, we refer to a battery and takeoff weight of 26,100 pounds. rafts, escape slides, seatbelt air bags, battery system as a battery. A battery The FAA is issuing these special system consists of the battery and any cabin management systems, Ethernet conditions for non-rechargeable lithium protective, monitoring, and alerting switches, routers and media servers, mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES battery installations on the GALP Model circuitry or hardware inside or outside wireless systems, internet and in-flight Gulfstream G150 airplane, as modified of the battery. It also includes vents entertainment systems, satellite by Gulfstream. The current battery (where necessary) and packaging. televisions, remotes, and handsets; requirements in title 14, Code of Federal • Systems in cargo areas including Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 are Discussion door controls, sensors, video inadequate for addressing an airplane The FAA derived the current surveillance equipment, and security with non-rechargeable lithium batteries. regulations governing installation of systems. 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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 20243 Some known potential hazards and installation not damage surrounding rechargeable lithium battery failure modes associated with non- structure or adjacent systems, installations that are affected by a rechargeable lithium batteries are: equipment, or electrical wiring from change in a manner that improves the • Internal failures: In general, these corrosive fluids or gases that may escape safety of its installation. The FAA batteries are significantly more in such a way as to cause a major or determined that these exclusions are in susceptible to internal failures that can more severe failure condition. the public interest because the need to result in self-sustaining increases in While special condition no. 5 meet all of the special conditions might temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal addresses corrosive fluids and gases, otherwise deter these design changes runaway) than their nickel-cadmium or special condition no. 6 addresses heat. that improve safety. lead-acid counterparts. The metallic Special condition no. 6 requires that lithium can ignite, resulting in a self- each non-rechargeable lithium battery Conclusion sustaining fire or explosion. installation have provisions to prevent This action affects only a certain • Fast or imbalanced discharging: any hazardous effect on airplane novel or unusual design feature on one Fast discharging or an imbalanced structure or systems caused by the model of airplane. It is not a rule of discharge of one cell of a multi-cell maximum amount of heat the battery general applicability. battery may create an overheating installation can generate due to any The substance of these special condition that results in an failure of it or its individual cells. The conditions has been subjected to the uncontrollable venting condition, which means of meeting special conditions notice and comment period in prior in turn leads to a thermal event or an nos. 5 and 6 may be the same, but the instances and has been derived without explosion. requirements are independent and substantive change from those • Flammability: Unlike nickel- address different hazards. previously issued. It is unlikely that cadmium and lead-acid batteries, These special conditions apply to all prior public comment would result in a lithium batteries use higher energy and non-rechargeable lithium battery significant change from the substance current in an electrochemical system installations in lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) contained herein. Therefore, the FAA that can be configured to maximize through (4) at Amendment 25–123 or has determined that prior public notice energy storage of lithium. They also use § 25.1353(c)(1) through (4) at earlier and comment are unnecessary and liquid electrolytes that can be extremely amendments. Those regulations remain impracticable, and good cause exists for flammable. The electrolyte, as well as in effect for other battery installations. adopting these special conditions upon the electrodes, can serve as a source of These special conditions contain the publication in the Federal Register. The fuel for an external fire if the battery additional safety standards that the FAA is requesting comments to allow casing is breached. Administrator considers necessary to interested persons to submit views that Special condition no. 1 of these establish a level of safety equivalent to may not have been submitted in special conditions requires that each that established by the existing response to the prior opportunities for individual cell within a non- airworthiness standards. comment described above. rechargeable lithium battery be designed Applicability List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 to maintain safe temperatures and pressures. Special condition no. 2 These special conditions are Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting addresses these same issues but for the applicable to the GALP Model and record keeping requirements. entire battery. Special condition no. 2 Gulfstream G150 airplane, as modified The authority citation for these requires the battery be designed to by Gulfstream. Should Gulfstream apply special conditions is as follows: prevent propagation of a thermal event, at a later date for a supplemental type Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, such as self-sustained, uncontrollable certificate to modify any other model 44702, 44704. increases in temperature or pressure included on type certificate no. A16NM from one cell to adjacent cells. to incorporate the same novel or The Special Conditions Special conditions nos. 1 and 2 are unusual design feature, these special Accordingly, pursuant to the intended to ensure that the non- conditions would apply to that model as authority delegated to me by the rechargeable lithium battery and its well. Administrator, the following special cells are designed to eliminate the These special conditions are only conditions are issued as part of the type potential for uncontrollable failures. applicable to design changes applied for certification basis for the GALP Model However, a certain number of failures after the effective date. Gulfstream G150 airplane modified by will occur due to various factors beyond These special conditions are not Gulfstream. the control of the battery designer. applicable to changes to previously Therefore, other special conditions are certified non-rechargeable lithium Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery intended to protect the airplane and its battery installations where the only Installations occupants if failure occurs. change is either cosmetic or to relocate In lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) Special conditions 3, 7, and 8 are self- the installation to improve the safety of at Amendment 25–123 or § 25.1353(c)(1) explanatory. the airplane and occupants. Previously through (4) at earlier amendments, each Special condition no. 4 makes it clear certified non-rechargeable lithium non-rechargeable lithium battery that the flammable fluid fire protection battery installations, as used in this installation must: requirements of § 25.863 apply to non- paragraph, are those installations 1. Be designed to maintain safe cell rechargeable lithium battery approved for certification projects temperatures and pressures under all installations. Section 25.863 is applied for on or before the effective foreseeable operating conditions to mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES applicable to areas of the airplane that date of these special conditions. A prevent fire and explosion. could be exposed to flammable fluid cosmetic change is a change in 2. Be designed to prevent the leakage from airplane systems. Non- appearance only, and does not change occurrence of self-sustaining, rechargeable lithium batteries contain any function or safety characteristic of uncontrollable increases in temperature an electrolyte that is a flammable fluid. the battery installation. These special or pressure. Special condition no. 5 requires that conditions are also not applicable to 3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, each non-rechargeable lithium battery unchanged, previously certified non- either in normal operation or as a result VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1

20244 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations of its failure, that may accumulate in airplanes. The applicable airworthiness telephone 425–227–2432; facsimile hazardous quantities within the regulations do not contain adequate or 425–227–1149. airplane. appropriate safety standards for this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 4. Meet the requirements of § 25.863. design feature. These special conditions 5. Not damage surrounding structure contain the additional safety standards Future Requests for Installation of Non- or adjacent systems, equipment, or that the Administrator considers Rechargeable Lithium Batteries electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or necessary to establish a level of safety The FAA anticipates that non- gases that may escape in such a way as equivalent to that established by the rechargeable lithium batteries will be to cause a major or more severe failure existing airworthiness standards. installed in most makes and models of condition. DATES: This action is effective on transport category airplanes. We intend 6. Have provisions to prevent any Bombardier on May 1, 2017. We must to require special conditions for hazardous effect on airplane structure or receive your comments by June 15, certification projects involving non- systems caused by the maximum 2017. rechargeable lithium battery amount of heat it can generate due to installations to address certain safety any failure of it or its individual cells. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified issues until we can revise the 7. Have a failure sensing and warning by docket number FAA–2017–0362 airworthiness requirements. Applying system to alert the flightcrew if its using any of the following methods: special conditions to these installations failure affects safe operation of the • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to across the range of transport category airplane. http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow airplanes will ensure regulatory 8. Have a means for the flightcrew or the online instructions for sending your consistency. maintenance personnel to determine the comments electronically. Typically, the FAA issues special battery charge state if the battery’s • Mail: Send comments to Docket conditions after receiving an application function is required for safe operation of Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of for type certificate approval of a novel the airplane. Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey or unusual design feature. However, the Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West FAA has found that the presence of non- Note: A battery system consists of the Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC rechargeable lithium batteries in battery and any protective, monitoring, and alerting circuitry or hardware inside or 20590–0001. certification projects is not always outside of the battery. It also includes vents • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take immediately identifiable, since the (where necessary) and packaging. For the comments to Docket Operations in battery itself may not be the focus of the purpose of these special conditions, a Room W12–140 of the West Building project. Meanwhile, the inclusion of ‘‘battery’’ and ‘‘battery system’’ are referred to Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey these batteries has become virtually as a battery. Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 ubiquitous on in-production transport a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through category airplanes, which shows that Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, Friday, except Federal holidays. 2017. there will be a need for these special • Fax: Fax comments to Docket conditions. Also, delaying the issuance Michael Kaszycki, Operations at 202–493–2251. of special conditions until after each Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Privacy: The FAA will post all Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. design application is received could comments it receives, without change, lead to costly certification delays. [FR Doc. 2017–08691 Filed 4–28–17; 8:45 am] to http://www.regulations.gov/, Therefore the FAA finds it necessary to BILLING CODE 4910–13–P including any personal information the issue special conditions applicable to commenter provides. Using the search these battery installations on particular function of the docket Web site, anyone makes and models of aircraft. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION can find and read the electronic form of On April 22, 2016, the FAA published all comments received into any FAA special conditions no. 25–612–SC in the Federal Aviation Administration docket, including the name of the Federal Register (81 FR 23573) individual sending the comment (or applicable to Gulfstream Aerospace 14 CFR Part 25 signing the comment for an association, Corporation for the GVI airplane. Those [Docket No. FAA–2017–0362; Special business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s were the first special conditions the Conditions No. 25–660–SC] complete Privacy Act Statement can be FAA issued for non-rechargeable found in the Federal Register published lithium battery installations. We Special Conditions: Bombardier on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), explained in that document our Aerospace Inc., Model DHC–8–400 as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot. decision to make those special Series Airplanes; Non-Rechargeable gov/. conditions effective one year after Lithium Battery Installations Docket: Background documents or publication in the Federal Register, AGENCY: Federal Aviation comments received may be read at which is April 22, 2017. In those special Administration (FAA), DOT. http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. conditions, the FAA stated its intention Follow the online instructions for to apply non-rechargeable lithium ACTION: Final special conditions; request accessing the docket or go to Docket battery special conditions to design for comment. Operations in Room W12–140 of the changes on other makes and models SUMMARY: These special conditions are West Building Ground Floor at 1200 applied for after this same date. issued for non-rechargeable lithium New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Section 1205 of the FAA battery installations on the Bombardier DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES Aerospace Inc. (Bombardier) Model through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA to consider the extent to which DHC–8–400 series airplanes. Non- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alaska is not served by transportation rechargeable lithium batteries are a Nazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight modes other than aviation and to novel or unusual design feature when Crew Interface Branch, ANM–111, establish appropriate regulatory compared to the state of technology Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft distinctions when modifying envisioned in the airworthiness Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue airworthiness regulations that affect standards for transport category SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; intrastate aviation in Alaska. In VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1


Document Created: 2017-04-29 03:16:34
Document Modified: 2017-04-29 03:16:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal special conditions; request for comment.
DatesThis action is effective on Gulfstream Aerospace LP on May 1, 2017. We must receive your comments by June 15, 2017.
ContactNazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight Crew Interface Branch, ANM-111, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2432; facsimile 425-227-1149.
FR Citation82 FR 20241 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements
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