83_FR_19513 83 FR 19427 - Special Conditions: St. Louis Helicopter, LLC; Textron Aviation B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) Airplanes; Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

83 FR 19427 - Special Conditions: St. Louis Helicopter, LLC; Textron Aviation B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) Airplanes; Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 86 (May 3, 2018)

Page Range19427-19429
FR Document2018-09350

These special conditions are issued for the Textron Aviation models B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) series airplanes. The airplane, as modified by St. Louis Helicopter LLC, will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation of a rechargeable lithium battery. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 86 (Thursday, May 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19427-19429]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09350]



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

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

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

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


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 19427]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0374; Special Conditions No. 23-288-SC]


Special Conditions: St. Louis Helicopter, LLC; Textron Aviation 
B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) Airplanes; Installation 
of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Textron Aviation 
models B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) series 
airplanes. The airplane, as modified by St. Louis Helicopter LLC, will 
have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the installation 
of a rechargeable lithium battery. The applicable airworthiness 
regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for 
this design feature. These special conditions contain the additional 
safety standards the Administrator considers necessary to establish a 
level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing 
airworthiness standards.

DATES: The effective date of these special conditions is May 3, 2018.
    We must receive your comments by June 18, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2018-0374 
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 of Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information 
the commenter provides. Using the search function of the docket 
website, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all comments 
received into any FAA docket, including the name of the individual 
sending the comment (or signing the comment for an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement can 
be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 
19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 
of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane 
Directorate, AIR-694, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO; telephone 
(816) 329-4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has determined that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable because 
these procedures would significantly delay issuance of the approval 
design and thus delivery of the affected aircraft. In addition, the FAA 
has determined, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), 
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are 
unnecessary because the substance of these special conditions has been 
subject to the public comment process in several prior instances with 
no substantive comments received. The FAA therefore finds that good 
cause exists for making these special conditions effective upon 
issuance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Special conditions No.               Company/airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
23-15-01-SC \1\........................  Kestrel Aircraft Company/Model
                                          K-350.
23-09-02-SC \2\........................  Cessna Aircraft Company/Model
                                          525C (CJ4).
23-08-05-SC \3\........................  Spectrum Aeronautical, LLC/
                                          Model 40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask 
that you send us two copies of written comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/39B156C006EB842E86257EF3004BB13C?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
    \2\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/902232309C19F0D4862575CB0045AC0D?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
    \3\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/28E630294DCC27B986257513005968A3?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing 
date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is 
possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change 
these special conditions based on the comments we receive.

Background

    On May 23, 2017, St. Louis Helicopter LLC (St. Louis Helicopter) 
applied for a supplemental type certificate (STC) to install a 
rechargeable lithium battery on the Textron Aviation, models B300, 
B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes. These are commuter 
category airplanes with a maximum of 17 seats (including crew), maximum 
operating altitude of 35,000 feet, and powered by two Pratt & Whitney 
Canada PT6A-60 engines or two PT6A-67 engines, with 15,000 pounds 
maximum takeoff weight.
    The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not 
contain adequate requirements for use of rechargeable lithium batteries 
in

[[Page 19428]]

airborne applications. This type of battery possesses certain failure 
and operational characteristics with maintenance requirements that 
differ significantly from that of the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lead-
acid rechargeable batteries currently approved in other normal, 
utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes. Therefore, the FAA 
is proposing this special condition to address--
     All characteristics of the rechargeable lithium batteries 
and their installation that could affect safe operation of the modified 
B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes; and
     Appropriate Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) 
that include maintenance requirements to ensure the availability of 
electrical power from the batteries when needed.

Type Certification Basis

    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, St. Louis Helicopter must 
show that the B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) 
airplanes, as changed, continue to meet the applicable provisions of 
the regulations incorporated by reference in Type Certificate Data 
Sheet No. A24CE \4\ or the applicable regulations in effect on the date 
of application for the change. The regulations incorporated by 
reference in the type certificate are commonly referred to as the 
``original type certification basis.'' The regulations incorporated by 
reference are located on pages 35 through 37 in A24CE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgMakeModel.nsf/0/c76fc5b6f3cf8a82862582560060751e/$FILE/
A24CE_Rev_119.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and 
B300C (UC-12W) airplanes because of a novel or unusual design feature, 
special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in Sec.  11.19, under 
Sec.  11.38 and they become part of the type certification basis under 
Sec.  21.101.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the models for which 
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for an STC to modify any 
other model(s) included on the same type certificate to incorporate the 
same novel or unusual design feature, the FAA would apply these special 
conditions to the other model(s) under Sec.  21.101.

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    The Textron Aviation B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-
12W) airplanes will incorporate the following novel or unusual design 
features:
    The installation of a rechargeable lithium battery as a main or 
engine start aircraft battery.

Discussion

    The applicable regulations governing the installation of batteries 
in general aviation airplanes were derived from CAR 3 as part of the 
recodification that established 14 CFR part 23. The battery 
requirements identified in Sec.  23.1353 were a rewording of the CAR 
requirements. Additional rulemaking activities--resulting from 
increased incidents of Ni-Cd battery fire or failures--incorporated 
Sec.  23.1353(f) and (g), amendments 23-20 and 23-21, respectively. The 
FAA did not envision the introduction of lithium battery installations 
at the time these regulations were published.
    The proposed use of rechargeable lithium batteries prompted the FAA 
to review the adequacy of these existing regulations. We determined the 
existing regulations do not adequately address the safety of lithium 
battery installations.
    Current experience with rechargeable lithium batteries in 
commercial or general aviation is limited. However, other users of this 
technology--ranging from personal computers, to wireless telephone 
manufacturers, to the electric vehicle industry--have noted safety 
problems with rechargeable lithium batteries. These problems include 
overcharging, over-discharging, flammability of cell components, cell 
internal defects, and those resulting from exposure to extreme 
temperatures as described in the following paragraphs.
    1. Overcharging: In general, rechargeable lithium batteries are 
significantly more susceptible than their Ni-Cd or lead-acid 
counterparts to thermal runway, which is an internal failure that can 
result in self-sustaining increases in temperature and pressure. This 
is especially true for overcharging, which causes heating and 
destabilization of the components of the cell, leading to the formation 
(by plating) of highly unstable metallic lithium. The metallic lithium 
can ignite, resulting in a self-sustaining fire or explosion. Finally, 
the severity of thermal runaway due to overcharging increases with 
increasing battery capacity due to the higher amount of electrolyte in 
large batteries.
    2. Over-discharging: Discharge of some types of rechargeable 
lithium battery cells beyond the manufacturer's recommended 
specification can cause corrosion of the electrodes of the cell, 
resulting in loss of battery capacity that cannot be reversed by 
recharging. This loss of capacity may not be detected by the simple 
voltage measurements commonly available to flight crews as a means of 
checking battery status--a problem shared with Ni-Cd batteries. In 
addition, over-discharging has the potential to lead to an unsafe 
condition (creation of dendrites that could result in internal short 
circuit during the recharging cycle).
    3. Flammability of Cell Components: Unlike Ni-Cd and lead-acid 
batteries, some types of rechargeable lithium batteries use liquid 
electrolytes that are flammable. The electrolyte can serve as a source 
of fuel for an external fire, if there is a breach of the battery 
container.
    4. Cell Internal Defects: The rechargeable lithium batteries and 
rechargeable battery systems have a history of undetected cell internal 
defects. These defects may or may not be detected during normal 
operational evaluation, test, and validation. This may lead to an 
unsafe condition during in service operation.
    5. Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to an extreme temperature 
environment has the potential to create major hazards. Care must be 
taken to ensure that the lithium battery remains within the 
manufacturer's recommended specification.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the 
B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes. Should St. 
Louis Helicopter apply at a later date for an STC to modify any other 
model included on the same type certificate to incorporate the same 
novel or unusual design feature, the FAA would apply these special 
conditions to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on the B300, B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes. It is 
not a rule of general applicability and affects only the applicant who 
applied to the FAA for approval of these features on the airplane.
    The substance of these special conditions has been subjected to the 
notice and comment period in several prior instances and has been 
derived without substantive change from those

[[Page 19429]]

previously issued. It is unlikely that prior public comment would 
result in a significant change from the subject contained herein. 
Therefore, notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are 
unnecessary and the FAA finds good cause, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), making these special conditions effective 
upon issuance. The FAA is requesting comments to allow interested 
persons to submit views that may not have been submitted in response to 
the prior opportunities for comment described above.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.

Citation

0
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113, 44701-44702, 44704; 
Pub. L. 113-53, 127 Stat 584 (49 U.S.C. 44704) note; 14 CFR 21.16 
and 21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.

The Special Conditions

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of 
the type certification basis for Textron Aviation B300, B300C, B300C 
(MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes modified by St. Louis 
Helicopter, LLC.

1. Installation of Lithium Battery

    The FAA adopts that the following special conditions be applied to 
lithium battery installations on the Textron Aviation models B300, 
B300C, B300C (MC-12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes in lieu of the 
requirements Sec.  23.1353 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e), amendment 23-
49.
    Lithium battery installations on the models B300, B300C, B300C (MC-
12W), and B300C (UC-12W) airplanes must be designed and installed as 
follows:
    (1) Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained 
during--
    i. Normal operations;
    ii. Any probable failure conditions of charging or discharging or 
battery monitoring system; and
    iii. Any failure of the charging or battery monitoring system not 
shown to be extremely remote.
    (2) The rechargeable lithium battery installation must be designed 
to preclude explosion or fire in the event of 1(1)ii and 1(1)iii 
failures.
    (3) Design of the rechargeable lithium batteries must preclude the 
occurrence of self-sustaining, uncontrolled increases in temperature or 
pressure.
    (4) No explosive or toxic gasses emitted by any rechargeable 
lithium battery in normal operation or as the result of any failure of 
the battery charging system, monitoring system, or battery 
installation, which is not shown to be extremely remote, may accumulate 
in hazardous quantities within the airplane.
    (5) Installations of rechargeable lithium batteries must meet the 
requirements of Sec.  23.863(a) through (d), amendment 23-34.
    (6) No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any 
rechargeable lithium battery, may damage surrounding structure or any 
adjacent systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or the airplane in such 
a way as to cause a major or more severe failure condition, in 
accordance with Sec.  23.1309, amendment 23-49, and applicable 
regulatory guidance.
    (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery installation must have 
provisions to prevent any hazardous effect on structure or essential 
systems that may be caused by the maximum amount of heat the battery 
can generate during a short circuit of the battery or of its individual 
cells.
    (8) Rechargeable lithium battery installations must have--
    i. A system to automatically control the charging rate of the 
battery to prevent battery overheating and overcharging; and either
    ii. A battery temperature sensing and over-temperature warning 
system with a means for automatically disconnecting the battery from 
its charging source in the event of an over-temperature condition; or
    iii. A battery failure sensing and warning system with a means for 
automatically disconnecting the battery from its charging source in the 
event of battery failure.
    (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery installation, the function of 
which is required for safe operation of the aircraft, must incorporate 
a monitoring and warning feature that will provide an indication to the 
appropriate flight crewmembers whenever the state of charge of the 
batteries has fallen below levels considered acceptable for dispatch 
(see note 1) of the aircraft.

    Note 1: Reference Sec.  23.1353(h) for dispatch consideration.

    (10) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) required by 
Sec.  23.1529 must contain maintenance requirements (see note 2) to 
assure that the battery has been sufficiently charged (see note 3) at 
appropriate intervals specified by the battery manufacturer and the 
equipment manufacturer that contain the rechargeable lithium battery or 
rechargeable lithium battery system. The lithium rechargeable batteries 
and lithium rechargeable battery systems must not degrade below 
specified ampere-hour levels sufficient to power the aircraft system. 
The ICA must also contain procedures for the maintenance of replacement 
batteries (see note 4) to prevent the installation of batteries that 
have degraded charge retention ability or other damage due to prolonged 
storage at a low state of charge. Replacement batteries must be of the 
same manufacturer and part number as approved by the FAA.

    Note 2: Maintenance requirements include procedures that--
    (a) Check battery capacity, charge degradation at manufacturers 
recommended inspection intervals; and
    (b) Replace batteries at manufacturers recommended replacement 
schedule/time to prevent age related degradation.


    Note 3: The term ``sufficiently charged'' means that the battery 
must retain enough charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure that 
the battery cells will not be damaged.

    A battery cell may be damaged by low charge (i.e., below certain 
level), resulting in a reduction in the ability to charge and retain a 
full charge. This reduction would be greater than the reduction that 
may result from normal operational degradation.

    Note 4: Replacement battery in spares storage may be subject to 
prolonged storage at a low state of charge.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April 23, 2018.
Pat Mullen,
Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09350 Filed 5-2-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                   19427

                                              Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                            Vol. 83, No. 86

                                                                                                                                                            Thursday, May 3, 2018



                                              This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    Building Ground Floor, Washington,                    exists for making these special
                                              contains regulatory documents having general            DC, 20590–0001.                                       conditions effective upon issuance.
                                              applicability and legal effect, most of which              • Hand Delivery of Courier: Take
                                              are keyed to and codified in the Code of                comments to Docket Operations in                      Special conditions
                                              Federal Regulations, which is published under                                                                                       Company/airplane model
                                                                                                                                                                   No.
                                              50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
                                                                                                      Room W12–140 of the West Building
                                                                                                      Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                       23–15–01–SC 1 ....    Kestrel Aircraft Com-
                                              The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9                                          pany/Model K–350.
                                              the Superintendent of Documents.                        a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                       23–09–02–SC 2 ....    Cessna Aircraft Com-
                                                                                                      Friday, except Federal holidays.                                              pany/Model 525C
                                                                                                         • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                                              (CJ4).
                                              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            Operations at 202–493–2251.                           23–08–05–SC 3 ....    Spectrum Aeronautical,
                                                                                                                                                                                    LLC/Model 40.
                                              Federal Aviation Administration                            Privacy: The FAA will post all
                                                                                                      comments it receives, without change,
                                                                                                                                                            Comments Invited
                                              14 CFR Part 23                                          to http://regulations.gov, including any
                                                                                                      personal information the commenter                       We invite interested people to take
                                              [Docket No. FAA–2018–0374; Special                      provides. Using the search function of                part in this rulemaking by sending
                                              Conditions No. 23–288–SC]                               the docket website, anyone can find and               written comments, data, or views. The
                                                                                                      read the electronic form of all comments              most helpful comments reference a
                                              Special Conditions: St. Louis                           received into any FAA docket,                         specific portion of the special
                                              Helicopter, LLC; Textron Aviation                       including the name of the individual                  conditions, explain the reason for any
                                              B300, B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and                        sending the comment (or signing the                   recommended change, and include
                                              B300C (UC–12W) Airplanes;                               comment for an association, business,                 supporting data. We ask that you send
                                              Installation of Rechargeable Lithium                    labor union, etc.). DOT’s complete                    us two copies of written comments.
                                              Batteries                                               Privacy Act Statement can be found in                    We will consider all comments we
                                                                                                      the Federal Register published on April               receive on or before the closing date for
                                              AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                                                                     comments. We will consider comments
                                              Administration (FAA), DOT.                              11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478), as well
                                                                                                      as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov.                     filed late if it is possible to do so
                                              ACTION: Final special conditions; request                                                                     without incurring expense or delay. We
                                                                                                         Docket: Background documents or
                                              for comments.                                                                                                 may change these special conditions
                                                                                                      comments received may be read at
                                                                                                                                                            based on the comments we receive.
                                              SUMMARY:   These special conditions are                 http://www.regulations.gov at any time.
                                              issued for the Textron Aviation models                  Follow the online instructions for                    Background
                                              B300, B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and                        accessing the docket or go to the Docket                On May 23, 2017, St. Louis Helicopter
                                              B300C (UC–12W) series airplanes. The                    Operations in Room W12–140 of the                     LLC (St. Louis Helicopter) applied for a
                                              airplane, as modified by St. Louis                      West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    supplemental type certificate (STC) to
                                              Helicopter LLC, will have a novel or                    New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington,                     install a rechargeable lithium battery on
                                              unusual design feature associated with                  DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday                 the Textron Aviation, models B300,
                                              the installation of a rechargeable lithium              through Friday, except Federal holidays.              B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and B300C
                                              battery. The applicable airworthiness                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      (UC–12W) airplanes. These are
                                              regulations do not contain adequate or                  Ruth Hirt, Federal Aviation                           commuter category airplanes with a
                                              appropriate safety standards for this                   Administration, Aircraft Certification                maximum of 17 seats (including crew),
                                              design feature. These special conditions                Service, Small Airplane Directorate,                  maximum operating altitude of 35,000
                                              contain the additional safety standards                 AIR–694, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas                 feet, and powered by two Pratt &
                                              the Administrator considers necessary                   City, MO; telephone (816) 329–4108;                   Whitney Canada PT6A–60 engines or
                                              to establish a level of safety equivalent               facsimile (816) 329–4090.                             two PT6A–67 engines, with 15,000
                                              to that established by the existing                                                                           pounds maximum takeoff weight.
                                                                                                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA
                                              airworthiness standards.                                                                                        The current regulatory requirements
                                                                                                      has determined that notice and                        for part 23 airplanes do not contain
                                              DATES: The effective date of these                      opportunity for prior public comment
                                              special conditions is May 3, 2018.                                                                            adequate requirements for use of
                                                                                                      hereon are impracticable because these                rechargeable lithium batteries in
                                                 We must receive your comments by                     procedures would significantly delay
                                              June 18, 2018.                                          issuance of the approval design and                      1 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                              ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                     thus delivery of the affected aircraft. In            Library/rgSC.nsf/0/39B156C006EB842E86257EF
                                              by docket number FAA–2018–0374                          addition, the FAA has determined, in                  3004BB13C?OpenDocument&Highlight=installation
                                              using any of the following methods:                     accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B)                 %20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20battery.
                                                 • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to
                                                                                                                                                               2 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                                                                                      and 553(d)(3), that notice and
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                                                                            Library/rgSC.nsf/0/902232309C19F0D4862575
                                              http://www.regulations.gov and follow                   opportunity for prior public comment                  CB0045AC0D?OpenDocument&Highlight=
                                              the online instructions for sending your                hereon are unnecessary because the                    installation%20of%20rechargeable%20lithium%20
                                              comments electronically.                                substance of these special conditions                 battery.
                                                 • Mail: Send comments to Docket                      has been subject to the public comment                   3 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_

                                                                                                                                                            Library/rgSC.nsf/0/28E630294
                                              Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    process in several prior instances with               DCC27B986257513005968A3?OpenDocument&
                                              Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   no substantive comments received. The                 Highlight=installation%20of%20rechargeable%20
                                              Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West                           FAA therefore finds that good cause                   lithium%20battery.



                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:59 May 02, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM   03MYR1


                                              19428               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              airborne applications. This type of                     Novel or Unusual Design Features                         2. Over-discharging: Discharge of
                                              battery possesses certain failure and                      The Textron Aviation B300, B300C,                  some types of rechargeable lithium
                                              operational characteristics with                        B300C (MC–12W), and B300C (UC–                        battery cells beyond the manufacturer’s
                                              maintenance requirements that differ                    12W) airplanes will incorporate the                   recommended specification can cause
                                              significantly from that of the nickel-                  following novel or unusual design                     corrosion of the electrodes of the cell,
                                              cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lead-acid                           features:                                             resulting in loss of battery capacity that
                                              rechargeable batteries currently                           The installation of a rechargeable                 cannot be reversed by recharging. This
                                              approved in other normal, utility,                      lithium battery as a main or engine start             loss of capacity may not be detected by
                                              acrobatic, and commuter category                        aircraft battery.                                     the simple voltage measurements
                                              airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is                                                                              commonly available to flight crews as a
                                              proposing this special condition to                     Discussion                                            means of checking battery status—a
                                              address—                                                   The applicable regulations governing               problem shared with Ni-Cd batteries. In
                                                • All characteristics of the                          the installation of batteries in general              addition, over-discharging has the
                                              rechargeable lithium batteries and their                aviation airplanes were derived from                  potential to lead to an unsafe condition
                                              installation that could affect safe                     CAR 3 as part of the recodification that              (creation of dendrites that could result
                                              operation of the modified B300, B300C,                  established 14 CFR part 23. The battery               in internal short circuit during the
                                              B300C (MC–12W), and B300C (UC–                          requirements identified in § 23.1353                  recharging cycle).
                                              12W) airplanes; and                                     were a rewording of the CAR                              3. Flammability of Cell Components:
                                                • Appropriate Instructions for                        requirements. Additional rulemaking                   Unlike Ni-Cd and lead-acid batteries,
                                              Continued Airworthiness (ICA) that                      activities—resulting from increased                   some types of rechargeable lithium
                                              include maintenance requirements to                     incidents of Ni-Cd battery fire or                    batteries use liquid electrolytes that are
                                              ensure the availability of electrical                   failures—incorporated § 23.1353(f) and                flammable. The electrolyte can serve as
                                              power from the batteries when needed.                   (g), amendments 23–20 and 23–21,                      a source of fuel for an external fire, if
                                                                                                      respectively. The FAA did not envision                there is a breach of the battery
                                              Type Certification Basis                                                                                      container.
                                                                                                      the introduction of lithium battery
                                                                                                                                                               4. Cell Internal Defects: The
                                                 Under the provisions of § 21.101, St.                installations at the time these
                                                                                                                                                            rechargeable lithium batteries and
                                              Louis Helicopter must show that the                     regulations were published.
                                                                                                                                                            rechargeable battery systems have a
                                              B300, B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and                           The proposed use of rechargeable
                                                                                                                                                            history of undetected cell internal
                                              B300C (UC–12W) airplanes, as changed,                   lithium batteries prompted the FAA to
                                                                                                                                                            defects. These defects may or may not
                                              continue to meet the applicable                         review the adequacy of these existing
                                                                                                                                                            be detected during normal operational
                                              provisions of the regulations                           regulations. We determined the existing
                                                                                                                                                            evaluation, test, and validation. This
                                              incorporated by reference in Type                       regulations do not adequately address
                                                                                                                                                            may lead to an unsafe condition during
                                              Certificate Data Sheet No. A24CE 4 or                   the safety of lithium battery
                                                                                                                                                            in service operation.
                                              the applicable regulations in effect on                 installations.
                                                                                                                                                               5. Extreme Temperatures: Exposure to
                                              the date of application for the change.                    Current experience with rechargeable
                                                                                                                                                            an extreme temperature environment
                                              The regulations incorporated by                         lithium batteries in commercial or
                                                                                                                                                            has the potential to create major
                                              reference in the type certificate are                   general aviation is limited. However,
                                                                                                                                                            hazards. Care must be taken to ensure
                                              commonly referred to as the ‘‘original                  other users of this technology—ranging
                                                                                                                                                            that the lithium battery remains within
                                              type certification basis.’’ The regulations             from personal computers, to wireless
                                                                                                                                                            the manufacturer’s recommended
                                              incorporated by reference are located on                telephone manufacturers, to the electric
                                                                                                                                                            specification.
                                              pages 35 through 37 in A24CE.                           vehicle industry—have noted safety
                                                 If the Administrator finds that the                  problems with rechargeable lithium                    Applicability
                                              applicable airworthiness regulations                    batteries. These problems include                       As discussed above, these special
                                              (i.e., 14 CFR part 23) do not contain                   overcharging, over-discharging,                       conditions are applicable to the B300,
                                              adequate or appropriate safety standards                flammability of cell components, cell                 B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and B300C
                                              for the B300, B300C, B300C (MC–12W),                    internal defects, and those resulting                 (UC–12W) airplanes. Should St. Louis
                                              and B300C (UC–12W) airplanes because                    from exposure to extreme temperatures                 Helicopter apply at a later date for an
                                              of a novel or unusual design feature,                   as described in the following                         STC to modify any other model
                                              special conditions are prescribed under                 paragraphs.                                           included on the same type certificate to
                                              the provisions of § 21.16.                                 1. Overcharging: In general,                       incorporate the same novel or unusual
                                                 The FAA issues special conditions, as                rechargeable lithium batteries are                    design feature, the FAA would apply
                                              defined in § 11.19, under § 11.38 and                   significantly more susceptible than their             these special conditions to that model as
                                              they become part of the type                            Ni-Cd or lead-acid counterparts to                    well.
                                              certification basis under § 21.101.                     thermal runway, which is an internal
                                                                                                      failure that can result in self-sustaining            Conclusion
                                                 Special conditions are initially
                                                                                                      increases in temperature and pressure.                  This action affects only certain novel
                                              applicable to the models for which they
                                                                                                      This is especially true for overcharging,             or unusual design features on the B300,
                                              are issued. Should the applicant apply
                                                                                                      which causes heating and                              B300C, B300C (MC–12W), and B300C
                                              for an STC to modify any other model(s)
                                                                                                      destabilization of the components of the              (UC–12W) airplanes. It is not a rule of
                                              included on the same type certificate to
                                                                                                      cell, leading to the formation (by                    general applicability and affects only
                                              incorporate the same novel or unusual
                                                                                                      plating) of highly unstable metallic                  the applicant who applied to the FAA
                                              design feature, the FAA would apply
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                      lithium. The metallic lithium can ignite,             for approval of these features on the
                                              these special conditions to the other
                                                                                                      resulting in a self-sustaining fire or                airplane.
                                              model(s) under § 21.101.
                                                                                                      explosion. Finally, the severity of                     The substance of these special
                                                4 http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_
                                                                                                      thermal runaway due to overcharging                   conditions has been subjected to the
                                              Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/c76fc5b6f3
                                                                                                      increases with increasing battery                     notice and comment period in several
                                              cf8a82862582560060751e/$FILE/A24CE_Rev_                 capacity due to the higher amount of                  prior instances and has been derived
                                              119.pdf.                                                electrolyte in large batteries.                       without substantive change from those


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:59 May 02, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM   03MYR1


                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 86 / Thursday, May 3, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                19429

                                              previously issued. It is unlikely that                     (4) No explosive or toxic gasses                   contain the rechargeable lithium battery
                                              prior public comment would result in a                  emitted by any rechargeable lithium                   or rechargeable lithium battery system.
                                              significant change from the subject                     battery in normal operation or as the                 The lithium rechargeable batteries and
                                              contained herein. Therefore, notice and                 result of any failure of the battery                  lithium rechargeable battery systems
                                              opportunity for prior public comment                    charging system, monitoring system, or                must not degrade below specified
                                              hereon are unnecessary and the FAA                      battery installation, which is not shown              ampere-hour levels sufficient to power
                                              finds good cause, in accordance with 5                  to be extremely remote, may accumulate                the aircraft system. The ICA must also
                                              U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3),                      in hazardous quantities within the                    contain procedures for the maintenance
                                              making these special conditions                         airplane.                                             of replacement batteries (see note 4) to
                                              effective upon issuance. The FAA is                        (5) Installations of rechargeable                  prevent the installation of batteries that
                                              requesting comments to allow interested                 lithium batteries must meet the                       have degraded charge retention ability
                                              persons to submit views that may not                    requirements of § 23.863(a) through (d),              or other damage due to prolonged
                                              have been submitted in response to the                  amendment 23–34.                                      storage at a low state of charge.
                                              prior opportunities for comment                            (6) No corrosive fluids or gases that              Replacement batteries must be of the
                                              described above.                                        may escape from any rechargeable                      same manufacturer and part number as
                                                                                                      lithium battery, may damage                           approved by the FAA.
                                              List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23                      surrounding structure or any adjacent                   Note 2: Maintenance requirements include
                                                Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and                  systems, equipment, electrical wiring, or             procedures that—
                                              symbols.                                                the airplane in such a way as to cause                  (a) Check battery capacity, charge
                                                                                                      a major or more severe failure condition,             degradation at manufacturers recommended
                                              Citation
                                                                                                      in accordance with § 23.1309,                         inspection intervals; and
                                              ■ The authority citation for these                      amendment 23–49, and applicable                         (b) Replace batteries at manufacturers
                                              special conditions is as follows:                       regulatory guidance.                                  recommended replacement schedule/time to
                                                                                                         (7) Each rechargeable lithium battery              prevent age related degradation.
                                                Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40113,
                                              44701–44702, 44704; Pub. L. 113–53, 127                 installation must have provisions to
                                                                                                                                                              Note 3: The term ‘‘sufficiently charged’’
                                              Stat 584 (49 U.S.C. 44704) note; 14 CFR 21.16           prevent any hazardous effect on                       means that the battery must retain enough
                                              and 21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.                 structure or essential systems that may               charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure
                                                                                                      be caused by the maximum amount of                    that the battery cells will not be damaged.
                                              The Special Conditions                                  heat the battery can generate during a
                                                                                                                                                              A battery cell may be damaged by low
                                              ■ Accordingly, pursuant to the authority                short circuit of the battery or of its
                                                                                                                                                            charge (i.e., below certain level),
                                              delegated to me by the Administrator,                   individual cells.
                                                                                                                                                            resulting in a reduction in the ability to
                                              the following special conditions are                       (8) Rechargeable lithium battery
                                                                                                                                                            charge and retain a full charge. This
                                              issued as part of the type certification                installations must have—
                                                                                                         i. A system to automatically control               reduction would be greater than the
                                              basis for Textron Aviation B300, B300C,                                                                       reduction that may result from normal
                                              B300C (MC–12W), and B300C (UC–                          the charging rate of the battery to
                                                                                                      prevent battery overheating and                       operational degradation.
                                              12W) airplanes modified by St. Louis
                                                                                                      overcharging; and either                                 Note 4: Replacement battery in spares
                                              Helicopter, LLC.                                                                                              storage may be subject to prolonged storage
                                                                                                         ii. A battery temperature sensing and
                                              1. Installation of Lithium Battery                      over-temperature warning system with a                at a low state of charge.

                                                The FAA adopts that the following                     means for automatically disconnecting                   Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on April
                                              special conditions be applied to lithium                the battery from its charging source in               23, 2018.
                                              battery installations on the Textron                    the event of an over-temperature                      Pat Mullen,
                                              Aviation models B300, B300C, B300C                      condition; or
                                                                                                                                                            Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch,
                                              (MC–12W), and B300C (UC–12W)                               iii. A battery failure sensing and                 Aircraft Certification Service.
                                              airplanes in lieu of the requirements                   warning system with a means for
                                                                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2018–09350 Filed 5–2–18; 8:45 am]
                                              § 23.1353 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e),                  automatically disconnecting the battery
                                                                                                                                                            BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                              amendment 23–49.                                        from its charging source in the event of
                                                Lithium battery installations on the                  battery failure.
                                                                                                         (9) Any rechargeable lithium battery
                                              models B300, B300C, B300C (MC–12W),                                                                           DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
                                                                                                      installation, the function of which is
                                              and B300C (UC–12W) airplanes must be                                                                          HUMAN SERVICES
                                                                                                      required for safe operation of the
                                              designed and installed as follows:
                                                                                                      aircraft, must incorporate a monitoring
                                                (1) Safe cell temperatures and                                                                              Food and Drug Administration
                                                                                                      and warning feature that will provide an
                                              pressures must be maintained during—
                                                                                                      indication to the appropriate flight
                                                i. Normal operations;                                                                                       21 CFR Part 102
                                                                                                      crewmembers whenever the state of
                                                ii. Any probable failure conditions of
                                                                                                      charge of the batteries has fallen below              [Docket No. FDA–2018–N–1438]
                                              charging or discharging or battery
                                                                                                      levels considered acceptable for
                                              monitoring system; and                                                                                        RIN 0910–AI04
                                                                                                      dispatch (see note 1) of the aircraft.
                                                iii. Any failure of the charging or
                                              battery monitoring system not shown to                    Note 1: Reference § 23.1353(h) for dispatch         Crabmeat; Amendment of Common or
                                              be extremely remote.                                    consideration.                                        Usual Name Regulation
                                                (2) The rechargeable lithium battery                    (10) The Instructions for Continued                 AGENCY:   Food and Drug Administration,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              installation must be designed to                        Airworthiness (ICA) required by                       HHS.
                                              preclude explosion or fire in the event                 § 23.1529 must contain maintenance                          Final rule; technical
                                                                                                                                                            ACTION:
                                              of 1(1)ii and 1(1)iii failures.                         requirements (see note 2) to assure that              amendment.
                                                (3) Design of the rechargeable lithium                the battery has been sufficiently charged
                                              batteries must preclude the occurrence                  (see note 3) at appropriate intervals                 SUMMARY: The Food and Drug
                                              of self-sustaining, uncontrolled                        specified by the battery manufacturer                 Administration (FDA or we) is
                                              increases in temperature or pressure.                   and the equipment manufacturer that                   amending the common or usual name


                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   15:59 May 02, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\03MYR1.SGM   03MYR1



Document Created: 2018-05-02 23:48:40
Document Modified: 2018-05-02 23:48:40
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 comments.
DatesThe effective date of these special conditions is May 3, 2018.
ContactRuth Hirt, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Directorate, AIR-694, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO; telephone (816) 329-4108; facsimile (816) 329-4090.
FR Citation83 FR 19427 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Signs and Symbols

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR