AD 2021-21-02 Requires Replacing Certain PMA Ni-Cd Batteries With Serviceable Ni-Cd Batteries

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, A340-600, and A380-800 series airplanes.

This AD was prompted by a determination that repetitive disconnection and reconnection of certain parts manufacturer approval (PMA) nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries during airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of those batteries. This AD requires replacing certain PMA Ni-Cd batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or maintaining the electrical storage capacity of those PMA Ni-Cd batteries during airplane storage or parking. This AD corresponds to a previously proposed AD on type design Ni-Cd batteries with the same unsafe condition on the same model airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective December 20, 2021.

Supplementary Information: 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 A318, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, A330-300, A330-800, A330-900, A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, A340-600, and A380-800 series airplanes.

The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 19, 2021 (86 FR 37936). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that repetitive disconnection and reconnection of certain PMA Ni-Cd batteries during airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of those batteries. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing certain PMA Ni-Cd batteries with serviceable Ni-Cd batteries, or maintaining the electrical storage capacity of those PMA Ni-Cd batteries during airplane storage or parking. The NPRM corresponds to a previously proposed AD on type design Ni-Cd batteries with the same unsafe condition on the same model airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced capacity of certain PMA Ni-Cd batteries, which could lead to reduced battery endurance performance and possibly result in failure to supply the minimum essential electrical power during abnormal or emergency conditions.

FMI: www.regulations.gov