[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 81 (Friday, April 26, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17733-17736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-08477]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 23
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0301; Special Conditions No. 23-293-SC]
Special Conditions: Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A.; Model
P2012 Airplane; Installation of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final special conditions; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: These special conditions are issued for the Costruzioni
Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A., Model P2012 airplane. These airplanes 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 April 26,
2019.
We must receive your comments by May 28, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2019-0301
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
[[Page 17734]]
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery 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).
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:
Reason for No Prior Notice and Comment Before Adoption
The FAA has determined, in accordance with 5 U.S. Code Sec. Sec.
553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3), that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are unnecessary because substantially identical special
conditions have been subjected to the public comment process in several
prior instances such that the FAA is satisfied that new comments are
unlikely. For the same reason, the FAA finds that good cause exists for
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.
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Special conditions No. Company/airplane model
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23-15-01-SC \1\........................ Kestrel Aircraft Company/Model
K-350.
23-16-02-SC \2\........................ Pilatus Aircraft, Ltd, Models
PC12, PC-12/45, and PC-12/47.
23-288-SC \3\.......................... St. Louis Helicopter, LLC,
Textron Aviation Models B300,
B300C, B300C(MC-12W), and
B300C (UC-12W).
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\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/0/5A2FEC165CB4913086258019005C34E2?OpenDocument&Highlight=23-278-sc.
\3\ http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSC.nsf/0/B2D62B06A314D74186258282005F5E04?OpenDocument&Highlight=23-288-sc.
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 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 March 13, 2018, Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam S.P.A. (Tecnam)
applied for FAA validation of its type certificate for its new Model
P2012 airplane. The airplane is a normal category, metallic, non-
pressurized, high wing, monoplane that will seat nine passengers and
two flightcrew. Two wing mounted Lycoming Model TEO-540-C1A piston
engines driving four blade variable pitch constant speed MT-Propellers
USA, Inc. Model MTV-14-B-C-F/CF195-30b propellers power the airplane.
The airplane has fixed tricycle landing gear, a Garmin G1000 NXi
avionics suite, and a maximum takeoff weight of 7,937 pounds. The Model
P2012 has rechargeable lithium batteries installed for higher energy
density instead of the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or lead-acid rechargeable
batteries.
The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not
contain adequate requirements for use of rechargeable lithium batteries
in airborne applications. This type of battery possesses certain
failure and operational characteristics with maintenance requirements
that differ significantly from that of the nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) and
lead-acid rechargeable batteries approved in Sec. 23.1553, amendment
23-62 or earlier, for other normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter
category airplanes. Therefore, the FAA is issuing this special
condition to address--
All characteristics of the rechargeable lithium batteries
and their installation that could affect safe operation of the Model
P2012 airplane; 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. 21.17, Tecnam must show that the
Model P2012 airplane meets the applicable provisions of part 23, as
amended by amendment 23-1 through 23-62 thereto.
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 Model P2012 airplane because of a
novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are prescribed
under the provisions of Sec. 21.16.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the Model P2012 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 Sec. 11.19, under
Sec. 11.38 and they become part of the type certification basis under
Sec. 21.17(a)(2).
Special conditions are initially applicable to the models 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, the FAA would apply these special conditions to
the other model.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Model P2012 airplane will incorporate the following novel or
unusual design features: The installation of a rechargeable lithium
battery--intended as energy storage for the airplane--will power the
essential load for continued safe flight and landing if the electrical
generating system fails.
[[Page 17735]]
Discussion
The applicable regulations governing the installation of batteries
in general aviation airplanes were derived from Civil Air Regulations
(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. Subsequent rulemaking activities--resulting
from increased incidents of Ni-Cd battery fire or failures--added Sec.
23.1353(f) and (g), amendments 23-20 and 23-21, respectively. The FAA
did not envision the introduction of lithium battery installations when
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, as
described in the following paragraphs, include overcharging, over-
discharging, flammability of cell components, cell internal defects,
and hazards resulting from exposure to extreme temperatures.
1. Overcharging. In general, rechargeable lithium batteries are
significantly more susceptible than their Ni-Cd or lead-acid
counterparts to thermal runaway, 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
Model P2012 airplane. Should Tecnam apply at a later date for a change
to the type certificate to include another model incorporating 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 Model P2012 airplane. It is not a rule of general applicability.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and symbols.
Citation
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
The Special Conditions
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued, in lieu of
the requirements in Sec. 23.1353 (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e),
amendment 23-62, as part of the type certification basis for the Tecnam
Model P2012 airplane.
Installation of Lithium Battery
Lithium battery installations 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 shown
to not be extremely remote.
(2) The rechargeable lithium battery installation must be designed
to preclude explosion and fire in the event of a failure under (1)(ii)
and (1)(iii) above.
(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 shown to not 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 23-62.
(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 a system
to automatically control the charging rate of the battery to prevent
battery overheating and overcharging, and either:
i. 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
ii. 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.
[[Page 17736]]
(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 of
the aircraft.
Note 1 to paragraph (9): Reference Sec. 23.1353(h) for dispatch
consideration.
(10) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) required by
Sec. 23.1529 must contain maintenance requirements to ensure that the
battery has been sufficiently charged 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 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 to paragraph (10): Maintenance requirements include
procedures that check battery capacity, charge degradation at
manufacturer's recommended inspection intervals, and replace
batteries at manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule/time to
prevent age-related degradation.
Note 3 to paragraph (10): 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 to paragraph (10): Replacement battery in spares storage
may be subject to prolonged storage at a low state of charge.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 22, 2019.
William Schinstock,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, Policy and Innovation
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-08477 Filed 4-25-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P