[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 10108]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5433]


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


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Lithium Batteries

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of and request comments 
on a proposed technical standard order (TSO) pertaining to lithium 
batteries. The proposed TSO prescribes the minimum performance 
standards that lithium batteries must meet to be identified with the 
marking ``TSO-C142.''

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 13, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed technical standard order 
to: Technical Programs and Continued Airworthiness Branch, AIR-120, 
Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification Service--File No. 
TSO-C142, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20591. Or deliver comments to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Room 804, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591. Comments must identify the TSO file number.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Bobbie J. Smith, Technical Program and Continued Airworthiness 
Branch, AIR-120, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591, Telephone (202) 267-9546.

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to comment on the proposed TSO 
listed in this notice by submitting such written data, views, or 
arguments as they desire to the above specified address. Comments 
received on the proposed TSO order may be examined, before and after 
the comment closing date, in Room 804, FAA Headquarters Building (FOB-
10A), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, weekdays 
except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
specified above will be considered by the Director of the Aircraft 
Certification Service before issuing the final TSO.

Background

    In the late 1970's there were numerous reports of emergency locator 
transmitters, powered by lithium sulfur dioxide batteries, exploding, 
corroding, and venting toxic gases in general aviation airplanes. This 
resulted in a series of three airworthiness directives (Amendment 39-
3549 (44 FR 50321, August 27, 1979), Amendment 39-3422 (44 FR 10980; 
February 26, 1979), and amendment 39-3708 (45 FR 13051, February 28, 
1980)) to correct the safety problem and the issuance of TSO-C97, 
specifically for lithium sulfur dioxide batteries. Since TSO-C97 was 
issued, there have been few installations using lithium sulfur 
batteries in aircraft equipment. Other batteries, however, of different 
lithium chemistries, sizes, and construction are widely used today in 
non aviation applications.
    Lithium batteries are desired for installation in aircraft because 
of their high energy per unit weight and volume, high cell voltage, 
relatively constant voltage during discharge, excellent low-temperature 
performance, and long shelf life. They continue to pose a potential 
safety hazard if not chosen carefully for the intended use, and used 
within their design and test limitations throughout their life cycle. 
Proposed TSO-C142 prescribes a means of assuring that lithium batteries 
will perform their intended function safely under conditions normally 
encountered in aeronautical operations.

How To Obtain Copies

    A copy of the proposed TSO-C142 may be obtained by contacting FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Copies of RTCA Document No. DO-227, 
``Lithium Batteries,'' dated June 23, 1995, may be purchased from the 
RTCA Inc., 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Suite 1020, Washington, DC 
20036.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 24, 1997.
Brian A. Yanez,
Acting Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-5433 Filed 3-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M