[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 225 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70285-70287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27538]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 225 / Thursday, November 20, 2008 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 70285]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 25
[Docket No. NM395; Notice No. 25-08-07-SC]
Special Conditions: Dassault Falcon 2000 Series Airplanes;
Aircell Airborne Satcom Equipment Consisting of a Wireless Handset and
Associated Base Station, With Lithium Battery Installations
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.
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SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Dassault
Falcon 2000 series airplanes. These airplanes, as modified by Aircell
LLC, will have a novel or unusual design feature associated with the
Aircell airborne satcom equipment (ASE) which use lithium battery
technology. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain
adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These
proposed 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: We must receive your comments by January 5, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You must mail two copies of your comments to: Federal
Aviation Administration, Transport Airplane Directorate, Attention:
Rules Docket (ANM-113), Docket No. NM395, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057-3356. You may deliver two copies to the
Transport Airplane Directorate at the above address. You must mark your
comments: Docket No. NM395. You can inspect comments in the Rules
Docket weekdays, except federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nazih Khaouly, FAA, 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:
Comments Invited
We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask
that you send us two copies of written comments.
We will file in the docket all comments we receive as well as a
report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel
about these special conditions. You can inspect the docket before and
after the comment closing date. If you wish to review the docket in
person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble
between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal
holidays.
We will consider all comments we receive by 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.
If you want us to let you know we received your comments on this
proposal, send us a pre-addressed, stamped postcard on which the docket
number appears. We will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it back
to you.
Background
On March 15, 2007, Aircell LLC, applied for a type design change to
an existing STC (ST01388WI-D), to install additional equipment on
Dassault Falcon 2000 series airplanes. This installation adds
components to the existing airplane installation to include a low power
Wi-Fi handset containing a single cell lithium polymer rechargeable
battery. The battery identified for application in this design is a low
capacity, single cell lithium polymer rechargeable battery, with a
nominal capacity of 1400mAh and a nominal voltage of 3.7V. The battery
has a weight of 26.5 grams. The battery has been Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. (UL) tested and qualified by DO-160E in the Aircell
handset (P12857). The design is supported by a System Safety
Assessment/Functional Hazard Assessment (SSA/FHA) analysis. The Aircell
Wi-Fi handset, which is a component of the Aircell ASE, consists of a
wireless handset and associated base station (cradle and charging
unit), both with protective circuits and fuse devices which provide
multiple levels of redundant protection from hazards, such as
overcharging or discharging. The lithium battery is installed in the
handset.
A lithium battery has certain failure, operational, and maintenance
characteristics that differ significantly from those of the nickel-
cadmium and lead-acid rechargeable batteries currently approved for
installation on large transport category airplanes. The FAA is
proposing these special conditions to require that (1) all
characteristics of the lithium batteries and their installations that
could affect safe operation of the Dassault Falcon 2000 are addressed,
and (2) appropriate continued airworthiness instructions, which include
maintenance requirements, are established to ensure the availability of
electrical power from the batteries when needed.
At present, there is limited experience with use of rechargeable
lithium batteries in applications involving commercial aviation.
However, other users of this technology, ranging from wireless
telephone manufacturers to the electric vehicle industry, have noted
safety problems with lithium batteries. These problems include
overcharging, over-discharging, and flammability of cell components.
1. Overcharging
In general, lithium 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. This is especially true for
overcharging that 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
[[Page 70286]]
increases with increasing battery capacity due to the higher amount of
electrolyte in large batteries.
2. Over-Discharging
Discharge of some types of lithium batteries beyond a certain
voltage (typically 2.4 volts) 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 flightcrews as a means of
checking battery status--a problem shared with nickel-cadmium
batteries.
3. Flammability of Cell Components
Unlike nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries, some types of
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.
These problems experienced by users of lithium batteries raise
concern about the use of these batteries in commercial aviation.
Accordingly, the proposed use of lithium batteries in the Aircell ASE
on Dassault Falcon 2000 series aircraft has prompted the FAA to review
the adequacy of existing regulations in Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 25. Our review indicates that the existing
regulations do not adequately address several failure, operational, and
maintenance characteristics of lithium batteries that could affect the
safety and reliability of lithium battery installations.
The intent of these special conditions is to establish appropriate
airworthiness standards for lithium batteries in Dassault Falcon 2000
series aircraft, modified Aircell LLC, and to ensure, as required by
Sec. 25.601, that these battery installations are not hazardous or
unreliable. Accordingly, these special conditions include the following
requirements:
Those provisions of Sec. 25.1353 which are applicable to
lithium batteries.
The flammable fluid fire protection provisions of Sec.
25.863.
In the past, this regulation was not applied to batteries of
transport category airplanes, since the electrolytes used in lead-acid
and nickel-cadmium batteries are not flammable.
New requirements to address the hazards of overcharging
and over-discharging that are unique to lithium batteries.
New Instructions for Continuous Airworthiness that include
maintenance requirements to ensure that batteries used as spares are
maintained in an appropriate state of charge.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.101, Aircell LLC must show that
the Dassault Falcon 2000 series airplanes, as changed, continue to meet
the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by reference
in Type Certificate No. Type Certificate A50NM, Revision 3, 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 certification basis for Dassault Falcon 2000 is listed in Type
Certificate A50NM, Revision 3, dated September 21, 2004. In addition,
the certification basis includes certain special conditions and
exemptions that are not relevant to these special conditions. Also, if
the regulations incorporated by reference do not provide adequate
standards with respect to the change, the applicant must comply with
certain regulations in effect on the date of application for the
change.
If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness
regulations (i.e., part 25, as amended) do not contain adequate or
appropriate safety standards for Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 series
airplanes because of a novel or unusual design feature, special
conditions are prescribed under the provisions of 14 CFR 21.16.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Dassault Falcon 2000 series airplanes must comply with
the fuel vent and exhaust emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and
the noise certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19,
under Sec. 11.38, and they become part of the type certification basis
in accordance with Sec. 21.101.
Special conditions are initially applicable to the models for which
they are issued. Should Aircell LLC apply for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No.
A50NM to incorporate the same or similar novel or unusual design
feature, these special conditions would also apply to the other model.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 series airplanes, as modified by
Aircell LLC, to include the Aircell ASE which will use lithium battery
technology, will incorporate a novel or unusual design feature. Because
of rapid improvements in airplane technology, 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.
The Aircell Access system will include lithium battery
installations. The application of a rechargeable lithium battery is a
novel or unusual design feature in transport category airplanes. This
type of battery has certain failure, operational, and maintenance
characteristics that differ significantly from those of the nickel-
cadmium and lead-acid rechargeable batteries currently approved for
installation on large transport category airplanes. The FAA issues
these special conditions to require that (1) all characteristics of the
lithium battery and its installation that could affect safe operation
of the satellite communication system are addressed, and (2)
appropriate maintenance requirements are established to ensure that
electrical power is available from the batteries when it is needed.
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Dassault Aviation 2000 series airplanes as modified by Aircell LLC.
Should Aircell LLC apply at a later date for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model included on Type Certificate No.
A28NM to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these
special conditions would apply to that model as well.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
of the Dassault Aviation 2000 series airplanes as modified by Aircell
LLC. It is not a rule of general applicability and affects only the
applicant which applied to the FAA for approval of these features on
the airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.
The Proposed Special Conditions
Accordingly, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the
following special conditions as part of the type certification basis
for the
[[Page 70287]]
Dassault Aviation 2000 series airplanes, modified by Aircell LLC in
lieu of the requirements of Sec. 25.1353(c)(1) through (c)(4),
Amendment 25-113.
Lithium batteries and battery installations on Dassault Aviation
2000 series airplanes must be designed and installed as follows:
1. Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained during
any foreseeable charging or discharging condition and during any
failure of the charging or battery monitoring system not shown to be
extremely remote. The lithium battery installation must preclude
explosion in the event of those failures.
2. Design of the lithium batteries must preclude the occurrence of
self-sustaining, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure.
3. No explosive or toxic gases emitted by any 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.
4. Installations of lithium batteries must meet the requirements of
Sec. 25.863(a) through (d).
5. No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any lithium
battery may damage surrounding structure or any adjacent systems,
equipment, or electrical wiring of the airplane in such a way as to
cause a major or more severe failure condition, in accordance with
Sec. 25.1309(b) and applicable regulatory guidance.
6. Each lithium battery installation must have provisions to
prevent any hazardous effect on structure or essential systems caused
by the maximum amount of heat the battery can generate during a short
circuit of the battery or of its individual cells.
7. Lithium battery installations must have a system to control the
charging rate of the battery automatically, so as to prevent battery
overheating or overcharging, and,
(a) 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
(b) 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.
8. Any lithium battery installation whose function is required for
safe operation of the airplane 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 of the airplane.
9. The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness required by Sec.
25.1529 must contain maintenance requirements to assure that the
lithium battery is sufficiently charged at appropriate intervals
specified by the battery manufacturer. The Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness must also contain procedures for the maintenance of
lithium batteries in spares storage to prevent the replacement of
batteries whose function is required for safe operation of the airplane
with batteries that have experienced degraded charge retention ability
or other damage due to prolonged storage at a low state of charge.
Precautions should be included in the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness maintenance instructions to prevent mishandling of the
lithium battery which could result in short-circuit or other
unintentional damage that could result in personal injury or property
damage.
Note 1: The term ``sufficiently charged'' means that the battery
will retain enough of a charge, expressed in ampere-hours, to ensure
that the battery cells will not be damaged. A battery cell may be
damaged by lowering the charge below a point where there is 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 2: These special conditions are not intended to replace
Sec. 25.1353(c), Amendment 25-113 in the certification basis of the
Aircell LLC supplemental type certificate. These special conditions
apply only to lithium batteries and their installations. The
requirements of Sec. 25.1353(c), Amendment 25-113 remain in effect
for batteries and battery installations on the Aircell LLC
supplemental type certificate that do not use lithium batteries.
Compliance with the requirements of these special conditions must
be shown by test or analysis, with the concurrence of the Fort Worth
Special Certification Office.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-27538 Filed 11-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P