[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 146 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44881-44884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18669]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 23
[Docket No CE309; Notice No. 23-249-SC]
Special Conditions: Garmin International G1000 and GFC700 System
Installation in the Cessna Model 525 Citation Jet; Installation of Mid-
Continent MD835 Lithium Ion Battery
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 Garmin
International, model G1000, Multifunctional Display and GFC700
Automatic Flight Control System installation with a Mid-Continent MD835
Lithium Ion Battery in the Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. This airplane
as modified by Garmin International will have a novel or unusual design
feature(s) associated with installation of the Mid-Continent
Instruments MD835 Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 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 that 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 July 14, 2010.
We must receive your comments by August 30, 2010.
ADDRESSES: Mail two copies of your comments to: Federal Aviation
Administration, Regional Counsel, ACE-7, Attn: Rules Docket No CE309,
901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may deliver two
copies to the Small Airplane Directorate at the above address. Mark
your comments: Docket No. CE309. You may inspect comments in the Rules
Docket weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Brady, Federal Aviation
Administration, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 329-4132;
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 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.
Comments Invited
We invite interested persons to submit written data, views, or
arguments as they desire. 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
concerning these special conditions. You may 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 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.
If you want the FAA to acknowledge receipt of 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.
[[Page 44882]]
Background
On September 18, 2009, Garmin International applied for a
supplemental type certificate for installation of the Mid-Continent
Instruments MD835 Lithium Ion battery in the G1000 & GFC700 equipped
Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. The model 525 is a two-engine turbofan
aircraft certified in the normal category under Title 14, part 23. The
aircraft is certified for eight seats including the pilot, a maximum
gross weight of 10,700 pounds, and maximum altitude of 41,000 feet mean
sea level (MSL).
The current regulatory requirements for part 23 airplanes do not
contain adequate requirements for the application of Li-ion batteries
in airborne applications. Garmin International proposes to replace an
existing BF Goodrich PS-834A lead-acid emergency battery with a Mid-
Continent Instruments MD835 Lithium Ion battery on Cessna model 525
Citation Jets. This type of battery possesses certain failure,
operational, and maintenance characteristics that differ significantly
from the nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) and lead-acid rechargeable batteries
currently approved in other normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter
category airplanes.
Type Certification Basis
Under the provisions of Sec. 21.101, Garmin International must
show that the Cessna model 525 Citation Jet, as changed, continues to
meet the applicable provisions of the regulations incorporated by
reference in the type certificate of the Cessna model 525 Citation Jet
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 in the
Cessna model 525 Citation Jet are as follows:
For serial numbers 525-0001 through 525-0599
Part 23 effective February 1, 1965, as amended by Amendments 23-1
through 23-38, and 23-40;
For serial numbers: 525-0600 and subsequent:
Part 23 effective February 1, 1965, as amended by Amendments 23-1
through 23-38, and 23-40; except the following paragraphs applicable
for Engines and Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADECs):
Sections 23.611, 23.777, 23.779, 23.781, 23.865, 23.867, 23.901,
23.903, 23.939, 23.943, 23.951, 23.955, 23.961, 23.973, 23.1011,
23.1013, 23.1019, 23.1021, 23.1041, 23.1043, 23.1045, 23.1091, 23.1093,
23.1103, 23,1111, 23.1121, 23.1123, 23.1141, 23.1143, 23.1145, 23.1163,
23.1181, 23.1182, 23.1183, 23.1189, 23.1191, 23.1193, 23.1195, 23.1203,
23.1301, 23.1305, 23.1309, 23.1337, 23.1521, 23.1549, and 23.1583 as
amended through Amendment 23-1 through 23-38, and 23-40 through 23-54.
For serial numbers 525-0001 through 525-0599:
14 CFR part 36 effective December 1, 1969, as amended by Amendments
36-1 through 36-18;
For serial numbers 525-0600 and subsequent:
Part 36 December 1, 1969, as amended by Amendments 36-1 through 36-
25
For serial numbers 525-0001 through 525-0599:
14 CFR part 34 effective September 10, 1990;
For serial numbers 525-0600 and subsequent:
Part 34 effective September 10, 1990, Fuel Venting and Exhaust
Emission Requirements for Turbine Engine Powered Airplanes, as amended
by Amendments 34-1 through 34-3.
Compliance with the Noise Control Act of 1972;
Special Conditions as follows:
23-ACE-55, additional requirements for:
Smoke evacuation, protection of electronic systems from lightning
and high intensity radiated electromagnetic fields (HIRF), electronic
flight instrument displays, thrust attenuating systems (thrust
attenuating systems are not applicable for serial numbers 525-0600 and
subsequent), engine fire extinguishing system, performance, including
takeoff, takeoff speeds, accelerate-stop, takeoff path, takeoff
distance and takeoff run, takeoff flight path, climb one engine
inoperative, landing, balked landing, climb, minimum control speed,
trim, static longitudinal stability, demonstration of static
longitudinal stability, static directional and lateral stability, wings
level stall, turning flight and accelerated stalls, stall warning,
vibration and buffeting, high speed characteristics, airspeed
indicating system, static pressure system, maximum operating speed
limit, minimum flight crew, operating limitations, operating
procedures, performance information, airspeed indicator, effects of
contamination on Natural Laminar Flow airfoils, definitions, and AFM
approved information.
Exemption as follows:
Exemption No. 5759 granted to use a relaxed ``Dutch Roll'' damping
criteria above 18,000 feet in lieu of damping criteria of Sec.
23.181(b).
Equivalent level of safety as follows (Applicable to airplanes S/N
525-0360 and On equipped with Collins Proline 21 electronic displays of
engine instruments):
Number ACE-00-01: Sections 23.1305(c)(2), (c)(5), and
23.1549(a) through (d), direct reading, digital only displays for the
high-pressure turbine speed (N2), and fuel flow indications.
Compliance with ice protection has been demonstrated in accordance
with Sec. Sec. 23.1416 and 23.1419.
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 Cessna model 525 Citation Jet
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.
In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special
conditions, the model 525 must comply with the part 23 fuel vent and
exhaust emission requirements of part 34 and the part 23 noise
certification requirements of part 36.
Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental type
certificate to modify any other model to incorporate the same type
certificate to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature,
the special conditions would also apply to the other model.
Novel or Unusual Design Features
The Cessna model 525 Citation jet will incorporate the following
novel or unusual design features:
Garmin International proposes to replace an existing BF Goodrich
PS-834A lead-acid emergency battery with a Mid-Continent Instruments
MD835 lithium ion battery on Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. This type
of battery possesses certain failure, operational characteristics, and
maintenance requirements that differ significantly from the Ni-Cd and
lead-acid rechargeable batteries currently approved in other normal,
utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes.
Discussion
The applicable part 21 and part 23 airworthiness regulations
governing the installation of batteries in general aviation airplanes,
including Sec. 23.1353, were derived from Civil Air Regulations
[[Page 44883]]
(CAR 3) as part of the recodification that established 14 CFR part 23.
The battery requirements, which were identified as Sec. 23.1353, were
basically a rewording of the CAR requirements and did not add any
substantive technical requirements. An increase in incidents involving
battery fires and failures that accompanied the increased use of Ni-Cd
batteries in airplanes resulted in rulemaking activities on the battery
requirements for business jet and commuter category airplanes. These
regulations were incorporated into Sec. 23.1353(f) and (g), which
apply only to Ni-Cd battery installations.
The proposed use of Li-ion batteries on the Cessna model 525
Citation Jet has prompted the FAA to review the adequacy of the
existing battery regulations with respect to that chemistry. As the
result of this review, the FAA determines the existing regulations do
not adequately address several failure, operational, and maintenance
characteristics of Li-ion batteries that could affect safety of the
battery installation and the reliability of the Cessna model 525
Citation Jet electrical power supply.
Li-ion batteries in general are significantly more susceptible to
internal failures that can result in self-sustaining increases in
temperature and pressure (i.e., thermal runaway) than their Ni-Cd and
lead-acid counterparts. This is especially true for overcharging a Li-
ion battery, which will likely result in explosion, fire, or both.
Certain types of Li-ion batteries pose a potential safety problem
because of the instability and flammability of the organic electrolyte
employed by the cells of those batteries. The severity of thermal
runaway in large batteries increases due to the higher amount of
electrolyte.
If the discharge of the cells is below a typical voltage of 3.0
volts on some versions of Li-ion batteries, they will no longer accept
a charge. 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.
Unlike Ni-Cd and lead-acid cells, some types of Li-ion cells employ
electrolytes that are known to be flammable. This material can serve as
a source of fuel for an external fire in the event of a cell container
breach.
The intent of these special conditions is to establish appropriate
airworthiness standards for Li-ion battery installations in the Cessna
model 525 Citation Jet. Special conditions also ensure that these
battery installations do not possess hazardous or unreliable design
characteristics. These special conditions adopt the following
requirements as a means of addressing these concerns:
(1) Inclusion of those sections of Sec. 23.1353 that are
applicable to batteries of any type.
(2) Inclusion of the flammable fluid fire protection requirements
of Sec. 23.863. In the past, this rule was not applied to the
batteries of business jet or commuter category airplanes since the
electrolytes utilized in lead-acid and Ni-Cd batteries are not
considered to be flammable.
(3) Addition of new requirements to address the potential hazards
of overcharging and over discharging that are unique to Li-ion battery
designs.
(4) Addition of maintenance requirements to ensure that batteries
used as spares are maintained in an appropriate state of charge (SOC).
Applicability
As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to the
Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. Should Garmin International apply at a
later date for a supplemental type certificate to modify any other
model to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, the
special conditions would apply to that model as well.
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features
on the Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. It is not a rule of general
applicability, and it 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 previously issued. It is
unlikely that prior public comment would result in a significant change
from the substance contained herein. Therefore, because a delay would
significantly affect the certification of the airplane, which is
imminent, the FAA has determined that prior public notice and comment
are unnecessary and impracticable, and good cause exists for adopting
these special conditions 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
The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, and 44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and
21.101; and 14 CFR 11.38 and 11.19.
The Special Conditions
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the following special conditions are issued as part of
the type certification basis for Cessna model 525 Citation Jet
airplanes modified by Garmin International.
1. Cessna Model 525 G1000 and GFC700 Lithium Battery Installation.
The Federal Aviation Administration issues the following Special
Conditions (SC), which apply to all Cessna model 525 Citation Jets
equipped with Mid-Continent-835 Lithium Ion batteries, in lieu of the
requirements of Sec. 23.1353 (a)(b)(c)(d)(e), Amendment 23-49.
Lithium-ion batteries and battery installations on Cessna model 525
Citation Jet equipped with existing PS-834A batteries must be designed
and installed as follows:
(1) Safe cell temperatures and pressures must be maintained during
any probable charging or discharging condition, or during any failure
of the charging or battery monitoring system not shown to be extremely
remote. The Li-ion battery installation must be designed to preclude
explosion or fire in the event of those failures.
(2) Li-ion batteries must be designed to preclude the occurrence of
self-sustaining, uncontrolled increases in temperature or pressure.
(3) No explosive or toxic gases emitted by any Li-ion battery in
normal operation or as the result of any failure of the battery
charging or monitoring system, or battery installation not shown to be
extremely remote, may accumulate in hazardous quantities within the
airplane.
(4) Li-ion batteries that contain flammable fluids must comply with
the flammable fluid fire protection requirements of Sec. 23.863(a)
through (d).
(5) No corrosive fluids or gases that may escape from any Li-ion
battery may damage airplane structure or essential equipment.
(6) Each Li-ion 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.
(7) Li-ion battery installations must have--
(i) a system to control the charging rate of the battery
automatically so as to prevent battery overheating or overcharging, or
[[Page 44884]]
(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.
(8) Any Li-ion 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 capacity and state of charge (SOC) of
the batteries have fallen below levels considered acceptable for
dispatch of the airplane.
(9) The Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) must contain
required manufacturer's maintenance and inspection requirements to
ensure batteries, including single cells, meet a safety function level
essential to the aircraft's continued airworthiness.
(i) The ICA must contain operating instructions and equipment
limitations in an installation maintenance manual.
(ii) The ICA must contain installation procedures and limitations
in a maintenance manual sufficient to ensure cells or batteries, when
installed according to the installation procedures, still meet safety
functional levels essential to the aircraft's continued airworthiness.
The limitations must identify any unique aspects of the installation.
(iii) The ICA must contain corrective maintenance procedures to
functionally check battery capacity at the manufacturer's required
inspection intervals.
(iv) The ICA must contain scheduled servicing information to
replace batteries at the manufacturer's required replacement time.
(v) The ICA must contain maintenance and inspection requirements to
visually check for a battery and/or charger degradation.
(10) Batteries in a rotating stock (spares) that have experienced
degraded charge retention capability or other damage due to prolonged
storage must be functionally checked at manufacturers recommended
inspection intervals.
(11) If the Lithium Ion battery application contains software and/
or complex hardware in accordance with Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115B
and AC 20-152, they should be developed to the standards of DO-178B for
software and DO-254 for complex hardware.
These special conditions are not intended to replace Sec. 23.1353
in the certification basis of the Cessna model 525 Citation Jet. These
special conditions apply only to Li-ion batteries and battery
installations. The battery requirements of Sec. 23.1353 remain in
effect for batteries and battery installations on Cessna model 525
Citation Jets that do not use Lithium Ion batteries.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on July 14, 2010.
Kimberly K. Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-18669 Filed 7-29-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P