FAA Grants EarthX AML-STC for 12v Lithium Batteries

EarthX has earned FAA Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certification (STC) authorizing the installation of its FAA TSO’d 12-volt LiFePO4 battery on a comprehensive array of single-engine Cessna, Piper, and Mooney aircraft, as well as the Aviat A-1.

An AML-STC is a multi-model approval method allowing a set of compliance data—e.g. type design data and substantiating data—to be designated as baseline data applicable to various aircraft models.

EarthX sales director Kathy Nicoson stated: “At EarthX, innovation is the core of our mission. We exemplify this commitment in the aviation industry by being the first company in the world to offer an FAA TSO-approved 12-volt lithium battery. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and are excited for a growing number of owners to benefit from all of the advanced features and capabilities the EarthX LiFePO4 replacement battery will bring to their aircraft.”

EarthX’s new-generation LiFePO4 lithium batteries facilitate:

• Weight Savings of over 23 pounds compared to equivalent lead acid batteries.
• Increased cranking power.
• Battery life-spans of over six-years.
• Full recharging in minutes rather than hours.
• Ease of Installation by dint of an included (with STC and installation kit) battery-management system that alerts operators of abnormal battery conditions.

The FAA TSO’d 12-volt LiFePO4 12V battery and STC retail for $699.00. The cost of the installation kit varies by aircraft model.

Single-engine (Textron) Cessna models included on the initial AML STC include:

• 120/140
• 150, 150A, B, and C
• P172D
• 175, 175A, B, and C
• 177, 177A, B, and 177RG
• 180, 180A through K
• 182, 182A through Q
• 185, 185A through F, and A185E

Single-engine Piper models included on the initial AML STC include:

• PA-28-140, 150, 151, 160, 161, 180, 181
• PA-28-201T
• PA-28-235, and -236
• PA-28R-180, -200, -201, and -201T
• PA-28RT-201 and -201T
• PA-28S-160, -180
• PA-12, -18, -20, -22, -24, and -32

Single-engine Mooney models included on the initial AML STC include:

• M20E, F, J, and K

The AMS STC applies, also, to Aviat’s A-1 model.

Ms. Nicoson added: “EarthX, Inc. is passionate about battery improvement in the aviation market and has invested many years in an extensive R&D program followed by the in-depth FAA approval process. The end result is this AML STC, which will allow our lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to challenge the status quo and bring undeniable benefits to aircraft owners.”

Founded in 2009 by a U.S. Navy veteran with a degree in electrical engineering, EarthX is a Colorado-based concern specializing in technologies germane to lithium batteries and the design, development, and manufacture thereof.

FMI: www.earthxbatteries.com