AD/RAD/39 Amdt 1 - Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide Batteries

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 107 Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, addresses the issue of radio communication and navigation equipment, particularly the use of Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 aim to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. The policy objective of this particular regulation is to mitigate the risks associated with the use of non-authorised Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries in aircraft equipment, thereby protecting the safety of passengers and crew. The regulations mandate the removal from service of any Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries that do not have the necessary United States Federal Aviation Administration Technical Standard Order TSO-C97 authorisation, which was established to prevent failures and hazards such as corrosion, violent venting, explosion, and harmful gas leakage. This legislative measure is designed to enhance the reliability and safety of aviation equipment, particularly in critical components like Emergency Locator Beacons.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, mandates the application of Airworthiness Directives (AD) to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. AD/RAD/39 Amendment 1, which pertains to Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide Batteries, applies to all equipment installed in aircraft that are fitted with such batteries, unless they have been authorised under the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C97. This requirement is essential to prevent failures caused by corrosion, violent venting, explosions, and the release of harmful gases into occupied areas of aircraft. The directive is effective for all equipment using Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries that do not meet the FAA TSO-C97 standards, necessitating their removal from service. The directive extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting the entire aviation industry, including aircraft operators and maintenance providers. Compliance with this directive is crucial for maintaining the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. The directive was first issued before 1 August 1980, and the current amendment became effective on 22 July 1993.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 107, addresses the safety of radio communication and navigation equipment used in aircraft, including the directive on Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries (AD/RAD/39 Amendment 1). This directive mandates that any equipment fitted with Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries, which do not have FAA TSO-C97 authorisation, must be removed from service. This requirement aims to mitigate risks associated with such batteries, including corrosion, violent venting, explosions, and the leakage of harmful gases, which can pose significant safety hazards within aircraft. These batteries have been commonly used in various aircraft equipment such as Emergency Locator Beacons (ELB), Bendix RNAV Computer Model RNS 3500 Control Display Unit CD-3501A, emergency lighting, and flashlights. The obligations under this Act primarily rest on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to ensure that any Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries in their equipment are either compliant with FAA TSO-C97 standards or are removed from service. This involves conducting thorough inspections and replacements as necessary. Operators must also ensure that the equipment is updated or retrofitted with alternative battery types, such as alkaline cells, which are available from manufacturers of approved ELBs. The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining airworthiness by eliminating the use of non-compliant batteries to prevent any potential safety incidents. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly regarding the removal of non-compliant Lithium-Sulphur Dioxide batteries, can lead to severe consequences. Non-compliance may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. The specific penalties can vary, but the Act does not detail maximum penalties in this context. However, the overarching regulatory framework under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and related regulations can impose significant financial penalties and other sanctions for breaches of safety directives. Operators found in violation of these safety mandates may face enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), which can include operational restrictions or revocation of airworthiness certificates for non-compliant aircraft.