82_FR_20329 82 FR 20247 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Model GVII-G500 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

82 FR 20247 - Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Model GVII-G500 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

Page Range20247-20250
FR Document2017-08692

These special conditions are issued for non-rechargeable lithium battery installations on the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplane. 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 20247-20250]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-08692]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0366; Special Conditions No. 25-662-SC]


Special Conditions: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Model GVII-
G500 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations on the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation 
(Gulfstream) Model GVII-G500 airplane. 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 Corporation on 
May 1, 2017. We must receive your comments by June 15, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2017-0366 
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

[[Page 20248]]

consideration of this requirement and the overall impact on safety, the 
FAA does not intend to require non-rechargeable lithium battery special 
conditions for design changes that only replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) 
emergency locator transmitter (ELT) with a 406 MHz ELT that meets 
Technical Standard Order C126b, or later revision, on transport 
airplanes operating only in Alaska. This will support our efforts of 
encouraging operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 MHz ELT. These ELTs 
provide significantly improved accuracy for lifesaving services to 
locate an accident site in Alaskan terrain. The FAA considers that the 
safety benefits from upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT for 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

    On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream applied for a type certificate for a 
new Model GVII-G500 airplane. The GVII-G500 is a twin engine, transport 
category airplane with a passenger seating capacity of 19 and a maximum 
certificated takeoff weight of 76,850 pounds.
    The FAA is issuing these special conditions for non-rechargeable 
lithium battery installations on the GVII-G500 airplane. The current 
battery requirements in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 25 are inadequate for addressing an airplane with non-rechargeable 
lithium batteries.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, Gulfstream must show that the 
GVII-G500 airplane meets the applicable provisions of part 25, as 
amended by Amendments 25-1 through 25-137.
    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 GVII-G500 airplane because of a 
novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed 
under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the airplane model 
for which they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model 
be amended later to include any other model that incorporates the same 
novel or unusual design feature, 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 Model GVII-G500 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, and the FAA must issue a 
finding of regulatory adequacy under Sec.  611 of Public Law 92-574, 
the ``Noise Control Act of 1972.''
    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.  21.17.

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.
    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

[[Page 20249]]

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. Sections 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at Amendment 25-
123 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 GVII-G500 airplane. 
Should Gulfstream apply at a later date for a change to the type 
certificate to include another model incorporating the same novel or 
unusual design feature, these special conditions would apply to that 
model as well.
    These special conditions are 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 Gulfstream Model GVII-G500 
airplane.

Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations

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

[[Page 20250]]

    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. 2017-08692 Filed 4-28-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 20247 hazardous quantities within the regulations do not contain adequate or telephone 425–227–2432; facsimile airplane. appropriate safety standards for this 425–227–1149. 4. Meet the requirements of § 25.863. design feature. These special conditions SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 5. Not damage surrounding structure contain the additional safety standards or adjacent systems, equipment, or that the Administrator considers Future Requests for Installation of Non- electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or necessary to establish a level of safety Rechargeable Lithium Batteries gases that may escape in such a way as equivalent to that established by the The FAA anticipates that non- to cause a major or more severe failure existing airworthiness standards. rechargeable lithium batteries will be condition. DATES: This action is effective on installed in most makes and models of 6. Have provisions to prevent any transport category airplanes. We intend Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation on hazardous effect on airplane structure or to require special conditions for May 1, 2017. We must receive your systems caused by the maximum certification projects involving non- comments by June 15, 2017. amount of heat it can generate due to rechargeable lithium battery any failure of it or its individual cells. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified installations to address certain safety 7. Have a failure sensing and warning by docket number FAA–2017–0366 issues until we can revise the system to alert the flightcrew if its using any of the following methods: airworthiness requirements. Applying failure affects safe operation of the • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to special conditions to these installations airplane. http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow across the range of transport category 8. Have a means for the flightcrew or the online instructions for sending your airplanes will ensure regulatory maintenance personnel to determine the comments electronically. consistency. battery charge state if the battery’s • Mail: Send comments to Docket Typically, the FAA issues special function is required for safe operation of Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of conditions after receiving an application the airplane. Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey for type certificate approval of a novel Note: A battery system consists of the Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West or unusual design feature. However, the battery and any protective, monitoring, and Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC FAA has found that the presence of non- alerting circuitry or hardware inside or 20590–0001. rechargeable lithium batteries in outside of the battery. It also includes vents • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take certification projects is not always (where necessary) and packaging. For the comments to Docket Operations in immediately identifiable, since the purpose of these special conditions, a Room W12–140 of the West Building battery itself may not be the focus of the ‘‘battery’’ and ‘‘battery system’’ are referred to project. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey as a battery. these batteries has become virtually Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through ubiquitous on in-production transport 2017. Friday, except Federal holidays. category airplanes, which shows that Michael Kaszycki, • Fax: Fax comments to Docket there will be a need for these special Operations at 202–493–2251. conditions. Also, delaying the issuance Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Privacy: The FAA will post all of special conditions until after each comments it receives, without change, design application is received could [FR Doc. 2017–08690 Filed 4–28–17; 8:45 am] to http://www.regulations.gov/, lead to costly certification delays. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P including any personal information the Therefore the FAA finds it necessary to commenter provides. Using the search issue special conditions applicable to function of the docket Web site, anyone these battery installations on particular DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION can find and read the electronic form of makes and models of aircraft. Federal Aviation Administration On April 22, 2016, the FAA published all comments received into any FAA special conditions no. 25–612–SC in the docket, including the name of the 14 CFR Part 25 Federal Register (81 FR 23573) individual sending the comment (or applicable to Gulfstream Aerospace [Docket No. FAA–2017–0366; Special signing the comment for an association, Corporation for the GVI airplane. Those Conditions No. 25–662–SC] business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s were the first special conditions the complete Privacy Act Statement can be FAA issued for non-rechargeable Special Conditions: Gulfstream found in the Federal Register published lithium battery installations. We Aerospace Corporation, Model GVII– on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), explained in that document our G500 Airplane; Non-Rechargeable as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot. decision to make those special Lithium Battery Installations gov/. conditions effective one year after 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 ACTION: Final special conditions; request Follow the online instructions for to apply non-rechargeable lithium for comment. accessing the docket or go to Docket battery special conditions to design SUMMARY: These special conditions are Operations in Room W12–140 of the changes on other makes and models issued for non-rechargeable lithium West Building Ground Floor at 1200 applied for after this same date. battery installations on the Gulfstream New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Section 1205 of the FAA Aerospace Corporation (Gulfstream) DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the through Friday, except Federal holidays. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES Model GVII–G500 airplane. Non- FAA to consider the extent to which rechargeable lithium batteries are a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alaska is not served by transportation novel or unusual design feature when Nazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight modes other than aviation and to compared to the state of technology Crew Interface Branch, ANM–111, establish appropriate regulatory envisioned in the airworthiness Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft distinctions when modifying standards for transport category Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue airworthiness regulations that affect airplanes. The applicable airworthiness SW., Renton, Washington, 98057–3356; intrastate aviation in Alaska. In VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1

20248 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations consideration of this requirement and requirements in title 14, Code of Federal rechargeable lithium batteries are novel the overall impact on safety, the FAA Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 are and unusual with respect to the state of does not intend to require non- inadequate for addressing an airplane technology considered when these rechargeable lithium battery special with non-rechargeable lithium batteries. requirements were codified. These conditions for design changes that only batteries introduce higher energy levels Type Certification Basis into airplane systems through new replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) emergency locator transmitter (ELT) Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.17, chemical compositions in various with a 406 MHz ELT that meets Gulfstream must show that the GVII– battery cell sizes and construction. Technical Standard Order C126b, or G500 airplane meets the applicable Interconnection of these cells in battery later revision, on transport airplanes provisions of part 25, as amended by packs introduces failure modes that operating only in Alaska. This will Amendments 25–1 through 25–137. require unique design considerations, support our efforts of encouraging If the Administrator finds that the such as provisions for thermal operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 applicable airworthiness regulations management. MHz ELT. These ELTs provide (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain Recent events involving rechargeable significantly improved accuracy for adequate or appropriate safety standards and non-rechargeable lithium batteries lifesaving services to locate an accident for the GVII–G500 airplane because of a prompted the FAA to initiate a broad site in Alaskan terrain. The FAA novel or unusual design feature, special evaluation of these energy storage considers that the safety benefits from conditions are prescribed under the technologies. In January 2013, two upgrading to a 406 MHz ELT for provisions of § 21.16. independent events involving Alaskan operations will outweigh the Special conditions are initially rechargeable lithium-ion batteries battery fire risk. applicable to the airplane model for revealed unanticipated failure modes. A which they are issued. Should the type National Transportation Safety Board Comments Invited certificate for that model be amended (NTSB) letter to the FAA, dated May 22, The substance of these special later to include any other model that 2014, which is available at http:// conditions has been subjected to the incorporates the same novel or unusual www.ntsb.gov, filename A–14–032– notice and comment period in prior design feature, these special conditions 036.pdf, describes these events. instances and has been derived without would also apply to the other model On July 12, 2013, an event involving substantive change from those under § 21.101. a non-rechargeable lithium battery in an previously issued. It is unlikely that In addition to the applicable emergency locator transmitter prior public comment would result in a airworthiness regulations and special installation demonstrated unanticipated significant change from the substance conditions, the Model GVII–G500 failure modes. The United Kingdom’s contained herein. Therefore, the FAA airplane must comply with the fuel vent Air Accidents Investigation Branch has determined that prior public notice and exhaust emission requirements of Bulletin S5/2013 describes this event. and comment are unnecessary and 14 CFR part 34 and the noise Some known uses of rechargeable and impracticable, and good cause exists for certification requirements of 14 CFR non-rechargeable lithium batteries on adopting these special conditions upon part 36, and the FAA must issue a airplanes include: publication in the Federal Register. The finding of regulatory adequacy under • Flight deck and avionics systems FAA is requesting comments to allow § 611 of Public Law 92–574, the ‘‘Noise such as displays, global positioning interested persons to submit views that Control Act of 1972.’’ systems, cockpit voice recorders, flight may not have been submitted in The FAA issues special conditions, as data recorders, underwater locator response to the prior opportunities for defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance beacons, navigation computers, comment described above. with § 11.38, and they become part of integrated avionics computers, satellite We invite interested people to take the type certification basis under network and communication systems, part in this rulemaking by sending § 21.17. communication management units, and written comments, data, or views. The remote-monitor electronic line- Novel or Unusual Design Feature replaceable units; most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the special The novel or unusual design feature is • Cabin safety, entertainment, and conditions, explain the reason for any the installation of non-rechargeable communications equipment, including recommended change, and include lithium batteries. emergency locator transmitters, life supporting data. For the purpose of these special rafts, escape slides, seatbelt air bags, We will consider all comments we conditions, we refer to a battery and cabin management systems, Ethernet receive by the closing date for battery system as a battery. A battery switches, routers and media servers, comments. We may change these special system consists of the battery and any wireless systems, internet and in-flight conditions based on the comments we protective, monitoring, and alerting entertainment systems, satellite receive. circuitry or hardware inside or outside televisions, remotes, and handsets; of the battery. It also includes vents • Systems in cargo areas including Background (where necessary) and packaging. door controls, sensors, video On March 29, 2012, Gulfstream surveillance equipment, and security applied for a type certificate for a new Discussion systems. Model GVII–G500 airplane. The GVII– The FAA derived the current Some known potential hazards and G500 is a twin engine, transport regulations governing installation of failure modes associated with non- category airplane with a passenger batteries in transport category airplanes rechargeable lithium batteries are: • Internal failures: In general, these mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES seating capacity of 19 and a maximum from Civil Air Regulations (CAR) certificated takeoff weight of 76,850 4b.625(d) as part of the recodification of batteries are significantly more pounds. CAR 4b that established 14 CFR part 25 susceptible to internal failures that can The FAA is issuing these special in February 1965. This recodification result in self-sustaining increases in conditions for non-rechargeable lithium basically reworded the CAR 4b battery temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal battery installations on the GVII–G500 requirements, which are currently in runaway) than their nickel-cadmium or airplane. The current battery § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4). Non- lead-acid counterparts. The metallic VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 20249 lithium can ignite, resulting in a self- each non-rechargeable lithium battery model of airplane. It is not a rule of sustaining fire or explosion. installation have provisions to prevent general applicability. • Fast or imbalanced discharging: any hazardous effect on airplane The substance of these special Fast discharging or an imbalanced structure or systems caused by the conditions has been subjected to the discharge of one cell of a multi-cell maximum amount of heat the battery notice and comment period in prior battery may create an overheating installation can generate due to any instances and has been derived without condition that results in an failure of it or its individual cells. The substantive change from those uncontrollable venting condition, which means of meeting special conditions previously issued. It is unlikely that in turn leads to a thermal event or an nos. 5 and 6 may be the same, but the prior public comment would result in a explosion. requirements are independent and significant change from the substance • Flammability: Unlike nickel- address different hazards. contained herein. Therefore, the FAA cadmium and lead-acid batteries, These special conditions apply to all has determined that prior public notice lithium batteries use higher energy and non-rechargeable lithium battery and comment are unnecessary and current in an electrochemical system installations in lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) impracticable, and good cause exists for that can be configured to maximize through (4) at Amendment 25–123. adopting these special conditions upon energy storage of lithium. They also use Sections 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) at publication in the Federal Register. The liquid electrolytes that can be extremely Amendment 25–123 remain in effect for FAA is requesting comments to allow flammable. The electrolyte, as well as other battery installations. interested persons to submit views that the electrodes, can serve as a source of These special conditions contain the may not have been submitted in fuel for an external fire if the battery additional safety standards that the response to the prior opportunities for casing is breached. Administrator considers necessary to comment described above. Special condition no. 1 of these establish a level of safety equivalent to special conditions requires that each that established by the existing List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 individual cell within a non- airworthiness standards. Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting rechargeable lithium battery be designed and record keeping requirements. to maintain safe temperatures and Applicability The authority citation for these pressures. Special condition no. 2 These special conditions are special conditions is as follows: addresses these same issues but for the applicable to the GVII–G500 airplane. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, entire battery. Special condition no. 2 Should Gulfstream apply at a later date 44702, 44704. requires the battery be designed to for a change to the type certificate to prevent propagation of a thermal event, include another model incorporating the The Special Conditions such as self-sustained, uncontrollable same novel or unusual design feature, Accordingly, pursuant to the increases in temperature or pressure these special conditions would apply to authority delegated to me by the from one cell to adjacent cells. that model as well. Administrator, the following special Special conditions nos. 1 and 2 are These special conditions are only conditions are issued as part of the type intended to ensure that the non- applicable to design changes applied for certification basis for the Gulfstream rechargeable lithium battery and its after the effective date. Model GVII–G500 airplane. cells are designed to eliminate the These special conditions are not potential for uncontrollable failures. applicable to changes to previously Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery However, a certain number of failures certified non-rechargeable lithium Installations will occur due to various factors beyond battery installations where the only In lieu of § 25.1353(b)(1) through (4) the control of the battery designer. change is either cosmetic or to relocate at Amendment 25–123, each non- Therefore, other special conditions are the installation to improve the safety of rechargeable lithium battery installation intended to protect the airplane and its the airplane and occupants. Previously must: occupants if failure occurs. certified non-rechargeable lithium 1. Be designed to maintain safe cell Special conditions 3, 7, and 8 are self- battery installations, as used in this temperatures and pressures under all explanatory. paragraph, are those installations foreseeable operating conditions to Special condition no. 4 makes it clear approved for certification projects prevent fire and explosion. that the flammable fluid fire protection applied for on or before the effective 2. Be designed to prevent the requirements of § 25.863 apply to non- date of these special conditions. A occurrence of self-sustaining, rechargeable lithium battery cosmetic change is a change in uncontrollable increases in temperature installations. Section 25.863 is appearance only, and does not change or pressure. applicable to areas of the airplane that any function or safety characteristic of 3. Not emit explosive or toxic gases, could be exposed to flammable fluid the battery installation. These special either in normal operation or as a result leakage from airplane systems. Non- conditions are also not applicable to of its failure, that may accumulate in rechargeable lithium batteries contain unchanged, previously certified non- hazardous quantities within the an electrolyte that is a flammable fluid. rechargeable lithium battery airplane. Special condition no. 5 requires that installations that are affected by a 4. Meet the requirements of § 25.863. each non-rechargeable lithium battery change in a manner that improves the 5. Not damage surrounding structure installation not damage surrounding safety of its installation. The FAA or adjacent systems, equipment, or structure or adjacent systems, determined that these exclusions are in electrical wiring from corrosive fluids or equipment, or electrical wiring from the public interest because the need to gases that may escape in such a way as mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES corrosive fluids or gases that may escape meet all of the special conditions might to cause a major or more severe failure in such a way as to cause a major or otherwise deter these design changes condition. more severe failure condition. that improve safety. 6. Have provisions to prevent any While special condition no. 5 hazardous effect on airplane structure or addresses corrosive fluids and gases, Conclusion systems caused by the maximum special condition no. 6 addresses heat. This action affects only a certain amount of heat it can generate due to Special condition no. 6 requires that novel or unusual design feature on one any failure of it or its individual cells. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1

20250 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 82 / Monday, May 1, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 7. Have a failure sensing and warning • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to special conditions to these installations system to alert the flightcrew if its http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow across the range of transport category failure affects safe operation of the the online instructions for sending your airplanes will ensure regulatory airplane. comments electronically. consistency. 8. Have a means for the flightcrew or • Mail: Send comments to Docket Typically, the FAA issues special maintenance personnel to determine the Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of conditions after receiving an application battery charge state if the battery’s Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey for type certificate approval of a novel function is required for safe operation of Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West or unusual design feature. However, the the airplane. Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC FAA has found that the presence of non- Note: A battery system consists of the 20590–0001. rechargeable lithium batteries in battery and any protective, monitoring, and • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take certification projects is not always alerting circuitry or hardware inside or comments to Docket Operations in immediately identifiable, since the outside of the battery. It also includes vents Room W12–140 of the West Building battery itself may not be the focus of the (where necessary) and packaging. For the Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey project. Meanwhile, the inclusion of purpose of these special conditions, a these batteries has become virtually Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 ‘‘battery’’ and ‘‘battery system’’ are referred to ubiquitous on in-production transport as a battery. a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. category airplanes, which shows that Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 24, • Fax: Fax comments to Docket there will be a need for these special 2017. Operations at 202–493–2251. conditions. Also, delaying the issuance Michael Kaszycki, Privacy: The FAA will post all of special conditions until after each Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane comments it receives, without change, design application is received could Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. to http://www.regulations.gov/, lead to costly certification delays. [FR Doc. 2017–08692 Filed 4–28–17; 8:45 am] including any personal information the Therefore the FAA finds it necessary to BILLING CODE 4910–13–P commenter provides. Using the search issue special conditions applicable to function of the docket Web site, anyone these battery installations on particular can find and read the electronic form of makes and models of aircraft. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION all comments received into any FAA On April 22, 2016, the FAA published docket, including the name of the special conditions no. 25–612–SC in the Federal Aviation Administration individual sending the comment (or Federal Register (81 FR 23573) signing the comment for an association, applicable to Gulfstream Aerospace 14 CFR Part 25 business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s Corporation for the GVI airplane. Those complete Privacy Act Statement can were the first special conditions the [Docket No. FAA–2017–0359; Special Conditions No. 25–657–SC] be found in the Federal Register FAA issued for non-rechargeable published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR lithium battery installations. We Special Conditions: Bombardier 19477–19478), as well as at http:// explained in that document our Aerospace Inc., Model BD–500–1A10 DocketsInfo.dot.gov/. decision to make those special Airplane; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Docket: Background documents or conditions effective one year after Battery Installations comments received may be read at publication in the Federal Register, http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. which is April 22, 2017. In those special AGENCY: Federal Aviation conditions, the FAA stated its intention Administration (FAA), DOT. 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 West Building Ground Floor at 1200 applied for after this same date. SUMMARY: These special conditions are New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, Section 1205 of the FAA issued for non-rechargeable lithium DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday Reauthorization Act of 1996 requires the battery installations on the Bombardier through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA to consider the extent to which Aerospace Inc. (Bombardier) Model BD– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alaska is not served by transportation 500–1A10 airplane. Non-rechargeable Nazih Khaouly, Airplane and Flight modes other than aviation and to lithium batteries are a novel or unusual Crew Interface Branch, ANM–111, establish appropriate regulatory design feature when compared to the Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft distinctions when modifying state of technology envisioned in the Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue airworthiness regulations that affect airworthiness standards for transport SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; intrastate aviation in Alaska. In category airplanes. The applicable telephone 425–227–2432; facsimile consideration of this requirement and airworthiness regulations do not contain 425–227–1149. the overall impact on safety, the FAA adequate or appropriate safety standards SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: does not intend to require non- for this design feature. These special rechargeable lithium battery special conditions contain the additional safety Future Requests for Installation of Non- conditions for design changes that only standards that the Administrator Rechargeable Lithium Batteries replace a 121.5 megahertz (MHz) considers necessary to establish a level The FAA anticipates that non- emergency locator transmitter (ELT) of safety equivalent to that established rechargeable lithium batteries will be with a 406 MHz ELT that meets by the existing airworthiness standards. installed in most makes and models of Technical Standard Order C126b, or DATES: This action is effective on mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES transport category airplanes. We intend later revision, on transport airplanes Bombardier on May 1, 2017. We must to require special conditions for operating only in Alaska. This will receive your comments by June 15, certification projects involving non- support our efforts of encouraging 2017. rechargeable lithium battery operators in Alaska to upgrade to a 406 ADDRESSES: Send comments identified installations to address certain safety MHz ELT. These ELTs provide by docket number FAA–2017–0359 issues until we can revise the significantly improved accuracy for using any of the following methods: airworthiness requirements. Applying lifesaving services to locate an accident VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Apr 28, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01MYR1.SGM 01MYR1


Document Created: 2017-04-29 03:16:19
Document Modified: 2017-04-29 03:16:19
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 Corporation 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 20247 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements
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