AD 2020-26-11 Prompted By A Report That Certain Elt Lithium Batteries Lack Protection

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R airplanes and Model A310-324 airplanes.

 This AD was prompted by a report that certain emergency locator transmitter (ELT) lithium batteries lack protection against current injection. This AD requires modification of the airplane circuit connecting the ELT battery, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 27, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2020-0108, dated May 14, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0108) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A300-600 series airplanes and Model A310 series airplanes.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model A300 F4-605R airplanes and Model A310-324 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2020 (85 FR 57802). The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain ELT lithium batteries lack protection against current injection. The NPRM proposed to require modification of the airplane circuit connecting the ELT battery, as specified in a EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address ELT lithium batteries lacking protection against current injection, which could induce a local battery fire, even after a significant delay, and could result in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants. See the MCAI for additional background
information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov